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Last week, the Colorado Rapids made their first moves of the secondary transfer window, ending the loan of Wolverhampton striker Joe Mason and signing former Houston Dynamo, Vancouver Whitecaps and Orlando City forward Giles Barnes from Liga MX side Club León on a sixth-month deal.

Just days after signing, Barnes made his Rapids debut, getting the start in Colorado’s 0-0 draw with the Houston Dynamo during the weekend. With a team of writers who have followed and covered Barnes throughout his MLS career, Pro Soccer USA conducted a media roundtable to assess whether this is a good move for Colorado.

Marco Cummings, Pro Soccer USA Colorado Rapids Beat Writer: At first glance, a roster move which turned out to be essentially a swapping out of Wolverhampton loanee Joe Mason for Giles Barnes, a player who saw limited action in Liga MX with Club León, was a head scratcher.

Colorado is in desperate need for offense, so why jettison the team’s second leading scorer? Barnes hardly played in Mexico, is two years older than Mason and was a journeyman in Major League Soccer, scoring just five goals in his previous two MLS seasons before transferring to León. Additionally, his lengthy injury history is cause for concern.

But in his debut Saturday night against his former club, Houston, Barnes eased some of those concerns and passed the eye test. He was dynamic in the counterattack and had good link-up play with Dominique Badji – something Colorado has desperately needed from its other forwards all season. He didn’t score, but he produced chances. His veteran savvy and locker room leadership is also something Colorado desperately needs in what has been a disappointing season for the Rapids and first-year head coach Anthony Hudson.

Regardless of his production on the pitch, the move for Barnes is good for Colorado in that it frees up assets and adds some flexibility as GM Padraig Smith continues to build the Rapids roster the way he sees fit. With the exit of Mason, Colorado frees up some salary and TAM that they arguably weren’t getting value for. Barnes was born in the United Kingdom and represents the Jamaican national team, but he’s also a United States green card holder, so Colorado also frees up an international roster spot, which they can now use on another addition. Lastly, the sixth-month deal could potentially be favorable for both parties. Barnes has an opportunity to prove himself and earn another contract, whether it be with the Rapids or another club, while Colorado has the flexibility to sign him for a long-term deal if he delivers, or cut ties if he doesn’t.

In just a few days, assessment of this move has gone from harsh criticism to tempered optimism within the Rapids fanbase, and could turn to outright favorable if Barnes starts to produce.

Alicia DelGallo, Pro Soccer USA Editor: When Giles Barnes arrived at Orlando City, he immediately brought a spark to the locker room and the pitch. He was excited, grateful, confident, energetic and just overall likeable (Side note: He wants to transition to a broadcast career when his playing days are over, so that’s probably a good thing). He also integrated quickly with the rest of the team. I think all of those qualities are desperately needed in Colorado at the moment.

He’s also versatile and willing. Anywhere then-Lions coach Jason Kreis needed him, Barnes was ready to play. Sometimes that meant on the wing, sometimes as a second striker. He can really plug in anywhere in the attacking third and be an asset, but he much preferred playing centrally and that showed in his performances.

He was a bit inconsistent with Orlando and grew frustrated toward the end of the season, but the entire team was inconsistent and frustrated last year. The Lions still were in transition, with Kreis testing out players and formulas. I think Barnes never really played with enough regularity – both in terms of minutes and position – to find a groove. If the Rapids give him consistent opportunities and clear responsibilities, he could turn out to be an important piece for them.

Barnes also immersed himself in Orlando’s community during the short time he was there, despite still calling Houston home. So, Denver can likely expect that as well. Using the resources at his disposal with Orlando City, he launched the Giles Barnes foundation.  

Oh, and one final note: He told me fans can call him “G,” so definitely do that.

Jesus Acevedo, Pro Soccer USA Houston Dynamo Beat Writer: Giles Barnes never quite lived up to the expectations that Houston Dynamo fans — and to a certain extent the front office — had for him when he arrived in 2012. In five years in Houston, Barnes only netted double-digit goals once during his five-year stint in orange.

Barnes is an explosive attacking player who you felt had that special something. He was prone to a flashy display of skills, on occasion. But at times it felt like the Jamaican international would disappear from games.

Barnes will be a boost to a Colorado Rapids side that desperately needs some kind of attacking power. If Barnes can get steady playing time, something he didn’t find with Liga MX side León, he could revitalize his career and give Rapids fans something to cheer for this season.

A player who can play as forward, winger or an attacking midfielder, his versatility should make him a regular starter in Colorado for the rest of the season.

Pro Soccer USA’s Vancouver Whitecaps beat writer, Manuel Veth, is traveling back from covering the World Cup in Russia. Check back later for his insight on Barnes’ time in Canada.

The post Giles Barnes: Evaluating the Colorado Rapids’ new signing appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.