Rapids in the MLS expansion draft

Medhi Ballouchi, left, and Jacob Peterson were among the players left available by the Colorado Rapids in Wednesday's expansion draft. (photos by Prost Amerika Soccer, Seattle)

When Colorado Rapids coach Gary Smith said, "We need better players," after losing to Real Salt Lake in the regular-season finale, there was speculation on my part (and others) that one player he was referring to was Mehdi Ballouchy.