It's pretty clear that the Colorado Rapids don't want to rush Jamie Smith right now, and for good reason. The Scotsman suffered a torn ACL and at his somewhat advancing age, it's always a tough go to get back into old form. Fortunately, they have been able to put Smith back on the pitch in a couple of reserve games and he has looked wonderful in them, providing some hope that we'll see him back on the first team before July.

His first performance with the reserves squad saw him pick up an assist, while he scored a brace in his latest game against the Sporting Kansas City reserves. Great numbers for the Scotsman and a great sign that he may be with the first team again sooner rather than later.

It's unlikely that he'll be out against the Vancouver Whitecaps this weekend because of the turf and the fact that they've been taking his recovery so slowly, but there could be a shot to see him on June 20th against the San Jose Earthquakes at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. If so, it would be a welcome homecoming for a player who had a breakout year in 2011 -- his goal on opening day against the Portland Timbers still stands as one of the greatest Rapids goals I've ever had the chance to see live -- and would join a team in need of all the help it can get in 2012.