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	<channel>		<title>RUWT? News</title>
		<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com</link>
		<description>RUWT? News for Colorado</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2006-2007 areyouwatchingthis.com</copyright>
		<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:12:05 GMT</lastBuildDate>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:12:05 GMT</pubDate>
		<generator>RUWT?</generator>

		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Salt Lake clinches playoff berth with 3-0 win over Rapids]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[Sandy, Utah (STATS) - For the second straight season, Real Salt
Lake used a win over the Colorado Rapids in its regular season
finale to secure a playoff berth. The Rocky Mountain Cup rival
Rapids now must wait until Sunday evening to learn their fate.

Buoyed by a pair of second-half goals from forward Robbie
Findley, RSL clinched a playoff spot with a 3-0 victory over the
Rapids on Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The victory assured Salt Lake (11-12-7) a spot in the MLS Cup
playoffs. Now, both RSL and the Rapids (10-10-10) must wait and
watch New England's match at Columbus on Sunday. If the
Revolution upset the top-seeded Crew or tie, they would leapfrog
Colorado for a playoff spot and Salt Lake would open the
postseason against Columbus. Should New England lose, the Rapids
would earn a playoff spot and face the Crew, while RSL would
open against Chicago.

Findley's effort proved his worth all over again after spending
the previous two matches on the bench. RSL coach Jason Kreis
decided to go with Findley in the first eleven on Saturday and
was pleased with how he rose to the occasion.

"For him to come in this weekend and handle things the way he
did speaks volumes to the development of Robbie Findley," Kreis
said.

Findley converted a header in the 15th minute to give RSL a 1-0
lead. Andy Williams set the play in motion by lobbing a cross to
Fabian Espindola on the left side. Espindola then looped the
ball up to the right post and Findley, who threaded it perfectly
between Colorado goalkeeper Nelson Burpo and the post.

His second goal came in the 33rd minute, when he brought down a
long pass from Williams, popped it up and over the head of an
onrushing Burpo, and slid the ball home for an uncontested
score.

"When I turned around I saw him coming out, so I figured I'd hit
it over his head and then get on the end of it," Findley said. 
"It worked out."

While Findley was scoring with ease, the Rapids could do little
against an RSL defense that notched its 11th shutout of the
season.

Salt Lake blanketed Colorado forwards Omar Cummings and Conor
Casey throughout the match to limit their touches and
opportunities to create havoc on the offensive side.

The strategy worked well. Although the Rapids outshot RSL 13-12,
they managed just one shot on goal after halftime. Cummings and
Casey combined to put just three balls on frame through 90
minutes.

Colorado coach Gary Smith felt like his players did not
capitalize on chances they had to cut into the lead - especially
in the first half.

"The scoreline I don't think in any way, shape or form flattered
Salt Lake," Smith said. "It was an extremely difficult night for
our players in terms of winning and losing battles around the
field. Salt Lake won more. More of their players were better
than more of ours and it was very evident from start to finish."

RSL added a third goal in the 85th minute, when Yura Movsisyan
took a pass from Javier Morales and dribbled down into the post.
After cutting around Drew Moor, Movsisyan blasted a low shot
toward the opposite post and buried it in the corner of the net.

"2-0 is always the most dangerous lead in soccer," Salt Lake
midfielder Will Johnson said. "We knew that we needed one more
and we'd kill them off and Yura did that for us."

With its latest shutout, Salt Lake set a franchise record for
fewest goals allowed in a season - 35.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/128787-Salt-Lake-clinches-playoff-berth-with-3-0-win-over-Rapids</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/128787-Salt-Lake-clinches-playoff-berth-with-3-0-win-over-Rapids</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:55:48 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Rapids-Real Salt Lake Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA
STATS Senior Writer

Colorado (10-9-10) at Real Salt Lake (10-12-7), 9:00 p.m. EDT

Major League Soccer's playoff race heading into the regular
season's final week is easily the tightest in league history.
The Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake, though, are no strangers
to late-season tension.

In one of many meaningful games this week, the Rapids look to
avoid being eliminated from playoff contention by Salt Lake for
the third straight year Saturday night.

More than 50 different postseason scenarios are possible this
week, with 12 of the 15 teams having clinched a playoff spot or
still in the running for one.

Through the past year of playoffs in the four major sports, only
the NHL had a final week anywhere near as undecided, with 57
percent of its teams either having clinched or still contending.

Colorado (10-9-10), the No. 5 team in the Western Conference
with 40 points, only needs to defeat Salt Lake (10-12-7) to make
the playoffs.

If the Rapids lose, however, they can still make it with a
two-goal or better defeat and two of these four teams with 39
points - Toronto FC, New England, D.C. United and FC Dallas -
win. With a draw, Colorado can still reach the postseason if all
of the teams lose or tie, or if any one of the four win.

"I don't know every possible situation," Rapids defenseman Pablo
Mastroeni said. "The extent of my knowledge is if we win, we
solidify a spot. If we tie, then we're basically hoping two or
three teams on the other side lose or tie. That's all I know."

Salt Lake, meanwhile, needs to defeat Colorado and hope that no
more than one of the teams with 39 points wins. Unless all off
four clubs lose, Salt Lake will likely need to beat the Rapids
by more than one score because its current plus-5 goal
differential could help its cause in a tiebreaker.

Salt Lake made the playoffs last season in dramatic fashion,
getting a goal from Yura Movsisyan in the 90th minute to tie
Colorado 1-all on Oct. 25 and eliminate the Rapids. In 2007,
Salt Lake didn't have a chance to make the postseason, but
Robbie Findley scored in the 87th minute to knock Colorado out
with a 1-0 victory Oct. 20.

Those matches, both of which were in Colorado, left the Rapids
out of the playoffs in two straight years for the first time in
their history.

Colorado has gone winless in its last six matches overall
(0-2-4) and is 0-5-4 on the road since a 3-2 win at New York on
May 30. The Rapids lost 2-1 at FC Dallas last Saturday night in
their latest letdown.

Salt Lake hasn't fared much better of late, going 1-3-1 after
winning its previous two. It has been shut out in two of its
last three games, including a 1-0 defeat at Toronto FC last
Saturday.

"I feel like we have let too many opportunities go by this
season and put ourselves in this position because of dropping
games that we should have won because we didn't take care of
business," Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis said.

Salt Lake tied Colorado 1-all at home June 6, but lost 2-0 on
the road May 2.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/128349-Rapids-Real-Salt-Lake-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/128349-Rapids-Real-Salt-Lake-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:20:19 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[FC Dallas keeps playoff hopes alive]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOHN TRANCHINA
STATS MLS Correspondent

FRISCO, Texas (STATS) - FC Dallas desperately needed a victory
to keep its slim playoff hopes alive and it took a goal from a
highly unlikely source to secure it.

Defender Ugo Ihemelu scored in the 66th minute and FC Dallas
beat the Colorado Rapids 2-1 on Saturday night to keep its
playoff hopes alive.

With its fifth win in six games, Dallas (11-12-6) has 39 points
to tie Toronto, New England and DC United for the final playoff
spot in MLS .

"I thought it was a really pressure game," Dallas coach Schellas
Hyndman said.  "It was a game that we went in and desperately
needed to win, so the focus was to play to our best.

Colorado (10-9-10) remained in playoff position, but is 0-2-4 in
its last six and 0-5-4 on the road since May 30.

"I thought Dallas played extremely well and the only saving
grace for us is that we didn't get embarrassed," Rapids coach
Gary Smith said.  "They forced the issue, they made the game
quick. They really took control of the game and really played
the way they wanted to and deservedly won the game."

Ihemelu, who joined Dallas after a trade from Colorado on Aug.
31, scored his first goal of the season and just the second of
his MLS career - in his 123rd game - to put Dallas up 2-0.

"From how the whole team performed, you could tell we really
wanted to win this game, we're really fighting to make the
playoffs," Ihemelu said.  "We created tons of chances and I
think we did a good job of eliminating theirs.

"Week after week, we've just been fighting and playing our style
of soccer. This is the way we want to keep going into the next
game and hopefully into the playoffs."

Coming off a free kick by Dax McCarty from about 35 yards, Atiba
Harris headed the ball toward Ihemelu as he charged the left
post. Ihemelu managed to get his right foot on the ball, which
then bounced off goalkeeper Preston Burpo, off the post and just
over the goal line.

"I was trying to cover back post and the ball bounced to me,"
Ihemelu said.  "If you knew what went through my head, 'Don't
miss this, don't miss this, don't miss this.'  I didn't want to
over hit it, I just tried to tap it on goal and it just went in.
I'll take it."

Pat Noonan notched his second goal of the year in the 71st
minute to pull the Rapids back within one. After making a deft
move to slip past Ihemelu, Noonan boomed a shot from just inside
the penalty area that beat Dallas goalkeeper Dario Sala just
inside the left post.

Despite thoroughly dominating the action almost all night,
missing on several glorious opportunities, Dallas still had to
sweat out the final minutes.

"They made numerous opportunities to extend their lead and
really gave us a little bit of a lifeline by not doing that,"
Smith said.

FC Dallas controlled the early portion of the match, taking the
lead in just the fourth minute on rookie defender George John's
first MLS goal.  This goal was also set up by a free kick, as
Dave van den Bergh lofted the ball from just outside the penalty
area into the middle and John leapt up and headed it past Burpo.

"When you look at the number of opportunities we had to put
balls into the goal, and we didn't - we kind of made it a little
bit hard on ourselves, but we can't complain too much about
winning," Hyndman said.

Van den Bergh's assist was his 11th, second in the MLS to
Colorado's Omar Cummings.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/127194-FC-Dallas-keeps-playoff-hopes-alive</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/127194-FC-Dallas-keeps-playoff-hopes-alive</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:04:14 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Rapids-FC Dallas Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA
STATS Senior Writer

Colorado (10-8-10) at FC Dallas (10-12-6), 8:30 p.m. EDT

A surprisingly strong performance by Conor Casey got the U.S.
national team into the World Cup. The Colorado Rapids,
meanwhile, have come to expect outstanding play from Casey as
they try to stay in playoff position.

Following what was perhaps the best match of his career, Casey
looks to help the Rapids continue their postseason push in a
matchup with Jeff Cunningham and FC Dallas on Saturday night.

Casey scored his first two international goals in his 15th game
with the national team last Saturday night, helping the U.S.
secure a trip to the 2010 World Cup with a 3-2 victory over
Honduras. It was a dramatic win for the United States, which was
running out of chances.

Plagued by injuries that have required surgery on both knees,
Casey has been in and out of national team duty. Coach Bob
Bradley made a somewhat unexpected move by starting him over
Jozy Altidore last weekend.

While Casey hasn't thrived consistently with the national team,
the Rapids (10-8-10) can credit his clutch play for keeping them
in playoff contention. Colorado has played to four consecutive
draws, with Casey scoring the game-tying goals off penalty kicks
in three of those matches.

"I never get tired of it - being in those situations," said
Casey, whose penalty kick in the 58th minute gave Colorado a 1-1
tie with New England in its last match Oct. 3. "It would be nice
for us to create some goals in regular play and not have to rely
on PKs for the rest of the season."

The Rapids head into this weekend two points ahead of the
Revolution, who are holding on to the last of four wild-card
spots. Dallas (10-12-6) trails New England by two points.

Dallas has won three straight and four of five, including a 2-1
victory at San Jose on Oct. 7.

Cunningham has scored 16 goals in his last 13 games and four in
his last five contests to help Dallas make a late-season run at
the playoffs. The former Rapid leads MLS with 17 goals, one more
than Casey. No other player has more than 12.

After Kenny Cooper departed for Germany on July 31, Cunningham
has teamed with David Ferreira (eight goals and seven assists)
to lead Dallas offensively.

"When he was given the opportunity to be ... the
difference-maker, he really stepped up," Dallas coach Schellas
Hyndman said. "But you also have to identify what a great job
David Ferreira has also done. The two of them have really been
on the same page."

Cunningham and Ferreira will face a Rapids team that might have
Matt Pickens back in goal. Pickens has missed five straight
games with a sprained knee, but he isn't listed on this week's
injury report.

Pickens has seven shutouts and a 1.16 goals-against average in
19 games. Preston Burpo, who has started in Pickens' absence,
hasn't won since a 3-2 victory at Los Angeles on April 4.

Pickens started for Colorado in a 1-0 win over Dallas on July
11. The Rapids are 3-0-2 against Dallas after losing the
previous six meetings.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/126874-Rapids-FC-Dallas-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/126874-Rapids-FC-Dallas-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:45:53 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Casey lifts Rapids into 1-1 draw with Revs]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By DALE BUBLITZ
STATS MLS Correspondent

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (STATS) - Conor Casey figured to be elated,
scoring a game-tying goal in the second half. Instead, he
couldn't have been more disappointed.

Casey moved into a tie for the MLS goal-scoring lead with a
penalty kick in the 58th minute, lifting the Colorado Rapids
into a 1-1 tie with the New England Revolution on Saturday
night.

"We kept with it and in the end, I guess it's a good point for
us," Casey said. "It would have been nice to get the three
points."

With Colorado (10-8-10) trailing, Casey tied it with his 16th
goal after Omar Cummings was taken down in the scoring area. The
Rapids star is tied with Dallas' Jeff Cunningham for the league
goal-scoring lead.

"I never get tired of it - being in those situations," Casey
said. "It would be nice for us to create some goals in regular
play and not have to rely on PKs for the rest of the season."

It was the fourth consecutive deadlock for Colorado, which has
40 points and remains in the running for a playoff spot. Casey
has accounted for game-tying goals off penalty kicks in three of
them.

And that was the problem in the mind of Colorado coach Gary
Smith.

"The goal was a big lift and with 30 minutes to go I was full of
hope that we could turn it around," he said. "We didn't."

New England coach Steve Nicol was equally frustrated.

"I came away thinking we should have won the game," he said. "We
had enough possessions. I'm disappointed we didn't do more with
them."

Kheli Dube scored for New England (10-9-8), winless in its last
four games. They failed to build on a one-goal lead despite
playing the last 30 minutes with a man advantage when Colorado
defender Julien Baudet was issued a red card in the 60th minute.

The Rapids are 5-0-3 at home against the Revolution since 2002.

Colorado goalkeeper Preston Burpo got the start for Matt
Pickens, who missed his fifth consecutive game with a knee
injury. Burpo is 1-2-6 in his last nine games and hasn't won
since a 3-2 victory at Los Angeles on April 4 in his first start
of the season.

Dube's eighth goal of the season opened the scoring in the 29th
minute. The Revolution, who lost 1-0 on Wednesday in Dallas,
hadn't scored since the 87th minute of a 2-1 victory over
Seattle on Sept. 26.

Two minutes after Dube's tally, New England's Matt Reis dove to
swat away a shot by Nick LaBrocca. Burpo then made a diving save
of a shot by Nico Colaluca in the 43rd minute.

Casey tied it after faking Reis to the center of the crease and
kicking it to the goalkeeper's right.

"I just pick a side," Casey said. "I went there and he went the
other way."

Both teams had scoring chances late. Cummings hit the crossbar
in the 88th minute, and New England's Kevin Alston sent a wild
shot well over the crossbar in injury time.

"When it really counts and you need three points, the good teams
get them," Smith said. "And the other teams don't quite and we
don't quite (get them)."

The Rapids finish their regular season with games at FC Dallas
and Real Salt Lake.

"I think what it means is we will have to get our results
somewhere else," Smith said "We missed big opportunities in San
Jose and tonight where we could have cemented our place and we
didn't."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/124335-Casey-lifts-Rapids-into-1-1-draw-with-Revs</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/124335-Casey-lifts-Rapids-into-1-1-draw-with-Revs</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:52:56 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Revolution-Rapids Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO
STATS Writer

New England (10-9-7) at Colorado (10-8-9), 9:00 p.m. EDT

The Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution are in the thick
of the tightly packed MLS Cup playoff race, but injuries and
recent stumbles have prevented both clubs from solidifying their
chances.

The Rapids will try to snap a string of three consecutive ties
Saturday night by continuing their home dominance of the
Revolution.

Colorado (10-8-9) is fifth overall in MLS while New England
(10-9-7) is two points behind the Rapids in eighth, leading
ninth-place D.C. by one point. The top two teams from each
conference advance to the playoffs, and the four teams with the
next highest point totals get in as wild cards.

The Rapids have been hampered by season-ending knee injuries to
wide midfielders Colin Clark, Jacob Peterson and Jamie Smith,
while goalkeeper Matt Pickens may miss his fifth consecutive
game with a knee sprain.

"At this point in the season, knowing that all three of our
natural wide players are out, I think it's going to be a case of
being able to adapt and deal with different situations," coach
Gary Smith said.

Colorado is also struggling without Pickens, going 0-1-3 while
tying its last three. The Rapids played to a scoreless draw at
Kansas City last Saturday.

"Obviously, we want to win. Point-wise, we're still in decent
shape. We still have things in our own hands," said forward
Conor Casey, whose 15 goals rank only behind Dallas' Jeff
Cunningham (16) for the league lead.

"Obviously, it would have been nice to have won the last couple
of games. But it's not like we're getting blown out or beaten
really bad. We're in the mix."

A return to Dick's Sporting Good Park could help the Rapids, who
are 8-2-4 there. They're also 11-3-2 at home against the
Revolution, going 5-0-2 in the last seven meetings dating to a
2-1 loss June 15, 2002.

New England has struggled in its last five games, falling to
1-3-1 after losing 1-0 at Dallas on Wednesday in its first game
without Steve Ralston. The midfielder, MLS' all-time leader with
135 assists, suffered a torn ACL in last Saturday's 2-1 win over
Seattle.

"We're going to have to come out with a lot more energy and work
harder," midfielder Shalrie Joseph said. "We have to try to get
one and then see what happens. Colorado is a difficult place to
play, so we know we're going to have our work cut out for us.

"We're going to have to be prepared to get a point or three
points on the road. We need to start getting points instead of
not coming away with anything."

The Revs, 3-6-4 on the road, will try to take advantage of
Rapids backup Preston Burpo, who has allowed five goals on 19
shots over the last four games.

Burpo is 1-2-5 with a 1.25 goals-against average in eight games
and hasn't won since a 3-2 victory at Los Angeles on April 4 -
his first start of the season. His three saves against the
Wizards secured his first shutout since a 2-0 win over Chicago
on Sept. 14, 2008.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/123998-Revolution-Rapids-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/123998-Revolution-Rapids-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:04:11 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Rapids, Wizards play to scoreless tie]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[KANSAS CITY, Kan.(AP) -- Preston Burpo recorded his first shutout
in more than a year, helping the Colorado Rapids secure a road
point with a scoreless draw against the Kansas City Wizards on
Saturday night.

Colorado moved into third in the Western Conference with 39
points and is fifth overall.

Burpo, a veteran backup filling in for the injured Matt Pickens
(right knee sprain), madethree saves for his shutout since a 2-0
home victory over Chicago on Sept. 14, 2008.

Burpo got some clutch help from defender Kosuke Kimura, who
cleared Zoltan Hercegfalvi's shot after a corner kick in the
80th minute.

Kansas City's Kevin Hartman hadthree saves for his seventh
shutout of the year.

Colorado (10-8-9) tied for the third straight time and is
winless in its last four matches. Kansas City (8-11-7) has lost
just once in its last five.

Each team had plenty of chances, but neither could finish. The
Wizards outshot the Rapids 18-12, with a 4-3 advantage in shots
on goal.

The last good chance for either team to win came halfway through
second-half stoppage time, when the Wizards' Kei Kamarabroke
free on the left wing and fired a long cross into the penalty
area. Davy Arnaud made a long run at a dead sprint but could not
connect with the pass.

---=

Story from: STATS LLC, http://www.stats.com.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/122613-Rapids-Wizards-play-to-scoreless-tie</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/122613-Rapids-Wizards-play-to-scoreless-tie</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:46:16 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Rapids-Wizards Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA
STATS Senior Writer

Colorado (10-8-8) at Kansas City (8-11-6), 8:30 p.m. EDT

Poor road play may end up hindering the Colorado Rapids' playoff
hopes. A match with the Kansas City Wizards, though, gives them
a good chance to help their cause.

The Rapids look to end a six-game road winless streak Saturday
night in a matchup with a Wizards team that has struggled at
CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Colorado (10-8-8) tied San Jose 1-all at home Wednesday night to
move into a tie with Seattle for third in the Western Conference
and fifth in MLS with 38 points. The top two teams in each
conference qualify for the postseason, and the teams with the
next four highest point totals earn wild-card berths.

"It was a good point, given the circumstances, but that was a
terrible game for us," forward Conor Casey said. "We have to a
lot better if we want to get where we want to be."

The Rapids have four games remaining, but three are on the road.
Colorado is 0-4-2 away from Dick's Sporting Goods Park since a
3-2 win over New York on May 30 and 2-6-4 on the road overall.

Kansas City (8-11-6) has had trouble at home, leaving it six
points behind D.C. for the final playoff spot. The Wizards were
0-3-1 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark since the start of June
before beating FC Dallas 3-2 last Saturday.

It was Kansas City's first win at home since a 3-1 victory over
New England on June 12.

Colorado, though, needs to improve its play in order to take
advantage of the Wizards' woes at home.

The Rapids have needed some breaks to earn ties in their last
two games. Casey converted penalty kicks in each contest, both
against the Earthquakes.

The forward scored in second-half injury time Wednesday, setting
a franchise high for goals in a season with 15.

The Rapids have scored once in four of five games, but strong
defense and goalkeeping has helped them go 2-1-2 during that
span.

Preston Burpo has started in goal for Matt Pickens (knee) the
past three games. Pickens, injured in practice nearly three
weeks ago, is uncertain for Saturday's contest.

The Rapids announced Friday that midfielders Jacob Peterson and
Jamie Smith will miss the rest of the season with knee injuries.
Peterson appeared in 23 games - 12 starts - and scored two goals
while adding two assists. Smith played in four games, making
three starts.

A thin Colorado team could have trouble against Kansas City,
coming off one of its best games offensively this year. The
Wizards fell one goal short of matching a season high, set in a
4-2 win over New England on Sept. 5.

Jimmy Conrad scored the winner against Dallas. His header in the
80th minute was the defenseman's first goal of the season.

Josh Wolff continued his hot play, scoring for the fourth time
in four games. He has matched a career high with 10 goals on the
season.

Michael Kraus scored the Wizards' only goal in a 2-1 loss to the
Rapids on March 28.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/122196-Rapids-Wizards-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/122196-Rapids-Wizards-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:02:51 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Earthquakes 1, Rapids 1]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By DALE BUBLITZ
STATS MLS Correspondent

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (STATS) - Conor Casey had just delivered
another game-tying goal in added time to help the Colorado
Rapids avoid a loss to the San Jose Earthquakes.

But the forward was more subdued than elated.

"It was a good point, given the circumstances, but that was a
terrible game for us," Casey said. "We have to a lot better if
we want to get where we want to be."

Casey converted a penalty kick in second-half injury time as the
Colorado Rapids salvaged a 1-all draw with the San Jose
Earthquakes on Wednesday night.

"To come out with a point tonight, was fortuitous." Casey said.

It was the second time in less than a week Casey helped Colorado
escape with a point by scoring a goal off a penalty kick at the
expense of the Earthquakes. He did it last Friday in San Jose.

"It was a carbon copy," Colorado coach Gary Smith. "It was a
carbon copy game where we came away with a point when we felt we
should have had three."

The Rapids (10-8-8) were awarded the penalty kick when Omar
Cummings was fouled. Casey scored from the spot for his
MLS-leading 15th goal, faking San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon
before scoring easily.

"I went down the middle last time and this time I showed that I
was going to his left and I put it the other way," Casey said.
"Luckily he dove."

San Jose coach Frank Yallop could only shake his head in
disbelief.

"This was deja vu," Yallop said. "It was like Groundhog Day."

Colorado pulled even with Seattle for third in the Western
Conference and sixth in the MLS with 38 points. The top two
teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs, while the
next four highest point totals gain berths as wild cards.

"That's the most important part of the night," said Casey, who
set a single-season club record for goals previously held by
John Spencer, who scored 14 goals in both 2001 and 2003.
"Getting a point is always more important than anything else."

The Rapids are 0-7-3 against the Earthquakes since beating them
April 24, 2004.

Preston Burpo started in goal for Matt Pickens for a third
consecutive game. Pickens injured his knee two weeks ago in
practice.

Chris Wondolowski put San Jose ahead 1-0 with a penalty kick in
the 67th minute, beating a diving Burpo.

San Jose (5-12-7) had its road winless streak extended to 20
matches (0-12-8), the second-longest in MLS history to New
York's current 24-game run. The Earthquakes have not won away
from home since a 2-0 victory at Columbus on June 7, 2008.

"We're getting closer to ending it and we feel like it will
happen every time we come to the stadium," Wondolowski said.
"Tonight, we played well for over 89 minutes and didn't get it
done."

Each team had quality scoring chances in the first half.
Wondolowski missed an open net early and forced Burpo to come
off his line to knock away the ball in the 44th minute.

Cannon smothered a header by Nick LaBrocca's from just outside
the right post, and Omar Cummings placed a shot wide in the 22nd
minute.

Colorado picked up the pressure in the 60th minute as Pablo
Mastroeni placed a shot over the crossbar before Cannon
prevented Casey from latching onto a through ball and a cross in
a three-minute span.

San Jose countered with pressure that ended with Wondolowski's
goal.

Rapids midfielder Jacob Peterson left in the 10th minute with an
injured right knee.

"I still don't much about the extent of the injury," said
Peterson, who was on crutches after the game. "I'll know more in
the morning."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/121880-Earthquakes-1-Rapids-1</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/121880-Earthquakes-1-Rapids-1</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Earthquakes-Rapids Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO
STATS Writer

San Jose (5-12-6) at Colorado (10-8-7), 9:30 p.m. EDT

If the Colorado Rapids are going to return to the playoffs, a
rare win against the San Jose Earthquakes could make a
difference. Facing the Western Conference rivals at home should
help.

The Rapids look to improve their playoff chances by beating the
Earthquakes for the first time in over five years Wednesday
night in the conclusion of a home-and-home set.

Colorado (10-8-7) is tied with Chivas USA for sixth overall in
the playoff race, one point behind Seattle. However, the Rapids
and Chivas are three points ahead of the ninth-place tie between
Real Salt Lake, New England and Toronto, which all trail D.C. by
two for the final wild-card position.

The top two teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs,
while the next four highest point totals gain berths as wild
cards.

A win over the Earthquakes (5-12-6) can certainly help the
Rapids, who needed a second-half injury-time goal from Conor
Casey on a penalty kick to earn a 1-all tie at San Jose on
Friday. Colorado was awarded the spot kick after referee Edvin
Jurisevic whistled Quakes forward Ryan Johnson for taking down
defender Drew Moor.

"We played very poorly," said Casey, who leads MLS with 14
goals. "To get out with a point in the end - well, I don't know
you'd say it was deserved. I don't think we played well enough
to get one."

Colorado hasn't beaten San Jose since April 24, 2004, going
0-7-2. The Rapids fell 2-0 in the last meeting at Dick's
Sporting Goods Park on April 19, 2008.

The Earthquakes have won once on the road since, 2-0 over
Columbus on June 7, 2008. They've tied Salt Lake for the
second-longest winless streak as the visitor in league history,
going 0-12-7. That run, however, is well short of the record
24-game stretch (0-18-6) that New York is currently enduring.

In order to snap that slide, San Jose might need to overcome the
disappointment from last week's tie.

"(Friday), still stings a bit," defender Jason Hernandez told
the Earthquakes' official Web site. "The guys are a bit bitter
and it leaves a sour taste in your mouth. But we're just going
to have to learn from our mistakes, learn that there are a few
different ways to kill the game and really try to grow and
learn."

The Rapids are 8-2-3 at home, outscoring opponents 23-8. They'll
have defensive midfielder Pablo Mastroeni back after the captain
was suspended three games for endangering the safety of defender
Andrew Hainault, who was injured on the play, during a 1-0 win
over Houston on Aug. 30.

While Mastroeni is expected to start, Colorado might be without
goalkeeper Matt Pickens for a third consecutive game after he
hurt his knee during practice two weeks ago.

If Pickens can't play, veteran backup Preston Burpo will get the
call again. He allowed San Jose's only shot on goal to go in
Friday after making two saves in a 3-2 loss to Toronto on Sept.
12.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/121509-Earthquakes-Rapids-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/121509-Earthquakes-Rapids-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Casey's late penalty kick lifts Rapids into draw]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By GEOFF LEPPER
STATS MLS Correspondent

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) \2013 Despite having just stolen a point on
the road, the Colorado Rapids were doing more soul-searching
than celebrating Friday night.

Conor Casey netted his league-leading 14th goal, converting a
penalty kick in second-half injury time to salvage a 1-all road
draw for Colorado against the San Jose Earthquakes.

Then Casey made no bones about the quality of his team's work.

"We played very poorly tonight," Casey said. "To get out with a
point in the end \2013 well, I don't know you'd say it was deserved.
I don't think we played well enough to get one."

It still counts in the standings, helping Colorado (10-8-7) move
one point ahead of Toronto and Real Salt Lake. The Rapids,
bidding to make their first MLS playoff appearance since 2006,
are now tied with Seattle for third in the Western Conference
and are tied for fifth overall. The top two teams in each
conference and the clubs that have the next six highest point
totals qualify for the playoffs.

San Jose (5-12-6) was moments away from recording its third
shutout in five matches despite Colorado's gamble of pushing its
entire backline into the Earthquakes' penalty box in hopes of
making something. But after a melee for a cross in the box two
minutes into injury time, referee Edvin Jurisevic whistled San
Jose forward Ryan Johnson for taking down Colorado defender Drew
Moor.

"Having seen it again, it probably was a penalty," San Jose
coach Frank Yallop said. "I just think, in the context of the
game, do you have to give it? Maybe not."

Casey, who had converted only one of three penalty kicks coming
into Friday, coolly pushed his fourth past San Jose goalkeeper
Joe Cannon. Earthquakes defenders Chris Leitch and Brandon
McDonald were given yellow cards for dissent in the waning
seconds.

"In the end, I thought it was the weight of numbers" that led to
the goal, Colorado coach Gary Smith said. "It wasn't through
quality play or any individual talent. It was just sheer
persistence in that final five or six minutes that found us our
chance."

Reinvigorated by a nearly three-week vacation from league play,
the Earthquakes took to the role of spoiler, looking to hand
Colorado its second consecutive loss.

In their first game after playmaker Darren Huckerby underwent
season- and probably career-ending surgery on his right hip, San
Jose nevertheless flourished on the attack.

The Earthquakes almost got on the scoreboard third minute when
Ramon Sanchez flicked a header from left to right across the
penalty area. However, Shea Salinas' shot off the bounce from 12
yards ricocheted off the left post, and Rapids goalkeeper
Preston Burpo was able to snuff out Cornell Glen on the rebound.

Five minutes later, Ryan Johnson succeeded at putting the
Earthquakes ahead, meeting a long throw-in by McDonald and
looping a header from 8 yards out over the head of Burpo, who
was playing in place of injured starter Matt Pickens.

In addition to Pickens, the Rapids played without starters Colin
Clark and Cory Gibbs due to injury and Pablo Mastroeni because
of a league suspension.

Colorado nearly tied it in the 68th minute when Casey gained
control of a Rapids corner kick that San Jose failed to clear
effectively and fired a low shot to the near post, but Cannon
was up to the task.

San Jose missed on a golden opportunity to put the game away in
the 82nd minute when Chris Wondolowski and Bobby Convey drove a
2-on-1 counterattack down the length of the field. With
Wondolowski expecting Convey to shoot, Convey's final pass
trickled harmlessly out of bounds.

"They'll feel like they've lost the game and we feel like we won
a game, and that can sometimes happen when you score a late goal
like that, because you're mentally steeling yourself for a zero
(points)," Smith said.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/120793-Caseys-late-penalty-kick-lifts-Rapids-into-draw</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/120793-Caseys-late-penalty-kick-lifts-Rapids-into-draw</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:24:51 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Rapids-Earthquakes Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO
STATS Writer

Colorado (10-8-6) at San Jose (5-12-5), 11:00 p.m. EDT

Key absences might pose a problem for the Colorado Rapids, and a
home-and-home set against the last-place San Jose Earthquakes
isn't exactly ideal.

The Rapids will try to end a four-game road losing streak Friday
night and beat the Earthquakes for the first time in more than
five years.

Colorado (10-8-6) will be without defensive midfielder Pablo
Mastroeni (suspension) and goalkeeper Matt Pickens (knee injury)
again after falling 3-2 at Toronto on Saturday.

Mastroeni is serving the last of a three-game suspension
stemming from a yellow card he received in a 1-0 win over
Houston on Aug. 30, when he endangered the safety of defender
Andrew Hainault, who was injured on the play. The card moved
Mastroeni to the limit of five, warranting a one-game suspension
and the league's disciplinary committee added two more along
with a $1,500 fine.

Pickens will miss a second consecutive game after he got hurt
during practice last week. He's expected to be out at least one
more week and will be replaced by veteran backup Preston Burpo,
who had two saves Saturday in his first MLS start since a 1-all
tie with Los Angeles on April 25.

"For goalkeepers who haven't played, it is tough coming into a
big atmosphere, a big game, and getting into the pace of it,"
coach Gary Smith said following Saturday's loss. "He'll be
disappointed he's conceded three goals, that's for sure."

Those absences could be key, as Colorado is tied with D.C. and
Chivas USA for the last three playoff spots. However, the Rapids
are fourth in the Western Conference, one point behind
third-place Seattle and two back of Los Angeles for second,
while holding a game in hand.

Colorado has dropped four in a row on the road, getting
outscored 12-5 to fall to 2-6-3 away from home this season. The
club plays four of its remaining six games on the road.

The Rapids are visiting San Jose (5-12-5) for the first time
since a 1-all tie July 12, 2008. They're winless in the last
nine games overall with the conference rival, going 0-7-2 since
a win April 24, 2004.

Colorado hasn't won in five games at San Jose (0-3-2) dating to
Aug. 30, 2003.

The Earthquakes, who are 5-4-3 at home, haven't played an MLS
match since a 2-1 loss to New England on Aug. 29 and they have
been off 10 days since a friendly against C.D. Aguila.

San Jose will be without midfielder Darren Huckerby after his
season ended prematurely following hip surgery Saturday.

Huckerby's absence could mean Ryan Johnson will return to the
lineup after being used as a substitute for the last two games.
The forward leads the Earthquakes with a career-high seven
goals, but hasn't found the back of the net in four consecutive
games and seven of eight.

Johnson's only goal in four career games against Colorado came
in the last meeting at Buck Shaw Stadium.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/120406-Rapids-Earthquakes-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/120406-Rapids-Earthquakes-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:15:22 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Toronto ends scoreless drought and winless streak]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By IAN HARRISON
STATS MLS Correspondent

TORONTO (STATS) - Toronto FC coach Chris Cummins wasn't giving
out points for style on Saturday. His team needs wins to get
into the playoffs, no matter how they come.

Rookie O'Brian White and defender Nana Attakora scored three
minutes apart in the second half to help Toronto snap a
three-game winless streak with a 3-2 victory over the Colorado
Rapids.

"With two more home games after this one, we knew we needed as
much points (as possible) at home," Attakora said. "Chris told
us he wanted us pressing everywhere and, no matter how we won,
he wanted us to win the game. We did that, even though it wasn't
pretty."

The victory moved Toronto (9-9-7) into fourth place in the
Eastern Conference with five games remaining, including three on
the road.

Colorado (10-8-6) is third in the West and has six games left,
only two at home.

With midfielder Pablo Mastroeni suspended and six other players
injured, Rapids coach Gary Smith knew his team was in for a
tough afternoon.

"The reality is, a group that's pretty much decimated with
injuries and suspensions have given a wonderful account of
themselves," Smith said. "On many occasions we might have got
something out of this. Sadly we haven't today."

Dwayne De Rosario's goal in the 19th minute ended a 313-minute
scoreless drought for Toronto FC (9-9-7), which had gone 0-2-1
without scoring since a 2-0 win over D.C. United on Aug. 15.

Four minutes after the half, Conor Casey tied it for Colorado
with his league-leading 13th goal of the season.

But White replaced Ali Gerba in the 65th minute and took just
six minutes to score for Toronto, flicking a through ball from
De Rosario over charging goalkeeper Preston Burpo and into the
back of the net.

"At one point I thought it might hit (the post)," White said.
"When it dropped in, I was like 'Good, the job is finished
there.'"

Attakora padded the lead to 3-1 in the 74th minute with a
powerful header just under the bar on a corner from Amado
Guevara.

"Chris told me before the game that I had to start scoring on
set pieces," Attakora said. "I got my head to it and it went
in."

It was the first MLS goal for Attakora, helping Toronto improve
to 7-3-3 at home.

De Rosario praised his teammates for creating chances with
direct, attacking passes.

"If we want to score, that's the way we need to play," he said.

Colorado started Burpo in goal after regular Matt Pickens
suffered a knee injury in training this week.

"For goalkeepers who haven't played, it is tough coming into a
big atmosphere, a big game, and getting into the pace of it,"
Smith said. "He'll be disappointed he's conceded three goals,
that's for sure."

Casey, whose 51st-minute header gave Colorado a 1-0 win over
Toronto last Saturday, was replaced by substitute Facundo Diz
after Toronto's third goal.

Michael Holody scored his first of the season in the 89th minute
but it wasn't enough for the Rapids, who fell to 0-4-1 on the
road since winning at New York on May 30.

Midfielder Julian De Guzman signed with Toronto on Friday, the
team's first designated player, but the Canadian international
was unable to complete his transfer in time to face the Rapids.

De Guzman took the roster spot of fan favorite Danny Dichio, who
retired Wednesday and joined the team's coaching staff. Dichio,
who scored the first goal in team history, was honored on the
field before kickoff.

Midfielder Carl Robinson (ankle) was scratched from Toronto's
starting lineup and replaced by Guevara. Toronto also was
without defenders Amadou Sanyang and Adrian Serioux, who were
suspended for cards.

---=

Story from: STATS LLC, http://www.stats.com.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/119063-Toronto-ends-scoreless-drought-and-winless-streak</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/119063-Toronto-ends-scoreless-drought-and-winless-streak</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:49:43 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Rapids-Toronto FC Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO
STATS Writer

Colorado (10-7-6) at Toronto FC (8-9-7), 4:00 p.m. EDT

If Toronto FC is going to mount a run at a playoff spot, it will
have to solve its recent scoring slump. Signing Julian de Guzman
and returning to BMO Field could help.

A day after making de Guzman the team's first designated player,
Toronto looks to avoid getting swept in a home-and-home series
with the Colorado Rapids on Saturday afternoon.

TFC (8-9-7) is winless in three games (0-2-1) while getting
outscored 3-0 after falling 1-0 at Colorado (10-7-6) last
Saturday. All three contests, however, have come on the road,
where the club is 2-6-4 compared to 6-3-3 at BMO.

That rough stretch has dropped Toronto into 11th place in MLS,
two points back of New England, Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA
for the last of four wild-card spots.

"(Scoring) has to come from all areas. It can't just come from
one or two people," said midfielder Dwayne De Rosario, who leads
the team with nine goals. "We can't leave it up to one or two
guys. A lot of guys have the potential and ability to score
goals on this team.

"We're trying. The commitment I don't think is there. There's
six games left. It's not that we're out and we still have a good
possibility of getting back into it. But if we give up now, it's
pointless."

If TFC continues to struggle scoring goals, it might be in
better position to prevent them after Friday's signing of
Toronto native de Guzman. The 28-year-old defensive midfielder,
who has four goals and 40 caps for Canada, is expected to be
available Saturday if his international transfer certificate is
approved in time.

"This is a dream come true for me, to be part of a professional
team at this level in Toronto," de Guzman told a news
conference. "I'm home again. Couldn't ask for anything better."

The acquisition of de Guzman would give Toronto a key central
midfielder capable of winning balls, while transitioning play to
De Rosario.

De Guzman was the first Canadian to play in Spain's La Liga,
spending the last four seasons with Deportivo La Coruna while
being named the club's player of the year in 2007-08. Prior to
joining Deportivo, he spent five seasons with FC Saarbrucken and
Hannover 96 of Germany after being brought to Europe by France's
Olympique Marseille when he was 16.

To make room on the roster, the team announced Wednesday that
forward Danny Dichio, who had 14 goals in 59 games over three
seasons, was retiring to take a position as an ambassador and
youth coach.

Toronto has won both home meetings with the Rapids, who are
0-3-1 on the road since a 3-2 win over New York on May 30.

Colorado, though, has won consecutive games at home and is two
points back of second-place Los Angeles in the West.

Conor Casey is looking for another strong performance after
finding the back of the net in the 51st minute against Toronto
for his fourth goal in four games. The forward leads the league
with 12 goals.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/118843-Rapids-Toronto-FC-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/118843-Rapids-Toronto-FC-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:07:16 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Casey's goal lifts Rapids past Toronto FC, 1-0]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By DALE BUBLITZ
STATS MLS Correspondent

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (STATS) - Toronto FC came to Dicks Sporting
Good Park thinking they had caught a break. They were led to
believe that Conor Casey wouldn't be with the Colorado Rapids on
Saturday night.

"We saw a report that he would be away," Toronto coach Chris
Cummins said. "Instead we walk in and see that he's on the team
sheet for the game."

"We were shocked," Cummins said.

Casey proved to be the difference, scoring in the 51st minute to
lead the Rapids to a 1-0 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday
night.

Casey was supposed to be away with the U.S. team, but two
impacted wisdom teeth kept him in Denver. He had the teeth
extracted last Monday.

"I had been called to the U.S. team camp, but my teeth had
gotten infected and they had to be taken out," Casey said. "It
wasn't something that I could wait on and so I went in Monday
and had them taken out.

"Sure, I was I was disappointed not to be able to go, but given
the circumstances there was nothing I could do," Casey said. "So
with nearly a week of rest, I was healthy come game day and
obviously was going to play."

Matt Pickens recorded his seventh shutout of the season and 18th
of his career for Colorado (10-7-6), which has won two straight
overall and five of six at home.

Casey scored his MLS-leading 12th goal of the year. Omar
Cummings passed to Jacob Peterson, who pushed the ball ahead to
Casey, whose header sailed past goalkeeper Stefan Frei's left
shoulder.

"Just a great pass from Jacob," Casey said. "Omar, Jacob and I
always maintain good eye contact with each other."

The Rapids' defense has been the best in MLS at home, allowing
eight goals in 13 matches. Colorado's offense has scored 10
goals in its last five home games.

Toronto (8-9-7) failed to score for the fourth consecutive road
game and was blanked for the seventh time overall this season.

"Somebody has to reach and work harder to find the back of the
net," Cummins said. "We had nowhere near enough attempts
tonight. I thought we had but one shot on target."

After Casey's goal, Pickens denied Toronto of a goal when he
smothered a kick by Chad Barrett from a tough angle taken from
the side of the left post.

Toronto never challenged again. It's comeback bid was further
hampered when midfielder Amadou Sanyang received a red-card
ejection in the 76th minute. Adrian Serioux got a red-card
ejection in the 86th minute.

Scoring chances were limited as defense dominated the scoreless
first half. The Rapids had three of the four opportunities.

The best came in the 25th minute when Casey hit the middle of
the crossbar on a penalty kick from deep inside the scoring
area. Frei blocked Mehdi Ballouchy's shot from the slot in the
in the sixth minute and smothered a kick by Jacob Peterson in
the 41st.

"It's never very good to miss a penalty good," Casey said. "I
hit it a little bit high, but fortunately I was able to redeem
myself in the second half and get the miss out of my head."

Pickens caught Toronto's best chance, a shot by Dwayne De
Rosario in the 10th minute. It proved to be the one shot on
target that Cummins referred to.

The Rapids were without captain Pablo Mastroeni, who served the
first of a two-game suspension for endangering the safety of
Houston's Andrew Hainault during a 1-0 victory over the Dynamo.

Toronto midfielder Amado Guevara missed the game due to his
commitment to the Honduran team.

"I think we showed a lot of character," Colorado coach Gary
Smith said. "We could have felt sorry for ourselves after the
missed penalty kick, but we kept playing and won."

The teams meet again Sept. 11 in Toronto.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/117785-Caseys-goal-lifts-Rapids-past-Toronto-FC-1-0</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/117785-Caseys-goal-lifts-Rapids-past-Toronto-FC-1-0</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:01:01 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Toronto FC-Rapids Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN
STATS Senior Writer

Toronto FC (8-8-7) at Colorado (9-7-6), 10:00 p.m. EDT

The Colorado Rapids will have to make do without their two best
players as they take on a team they are battling for a
postseason berth.

The Rapids won't have Conor Casey or Pablo Mastroeni on Saturday
night when they host Toronto FC, which will be without
playmaking midfielder Amado Guevara.

With this game falling on the same weekend as key World Cup
qualifiers, each club will be missing a star player. MLS leading
scorer Casey won't be available because of U.S. national team
duty, while Guevara, who has a team-high five assists for
Toronto, is out due to his commitment to the Honduran team.

Making matters worse for Colorado (9-7-6), Mastroeni has been
suspended two games and fined $1,250 for endangering the safety
of Houston's Andrew Hainault during last Sunday's 1-0 victory
over the Dynamo.

"Pablo's given everybody around him somebody to aspire to,"
coach Gary Smith said. "Those players have seen a captain who's
achieved a huge amount in a game. Put his body on the line, full
the course."

Mastroeni will also miss Colorado's trip to Toronto next weekend
for the finale of this home-and-home set.

The Rapids are one of four teams tied with 33 points in the race
for the final three playoff spots in the league. Toronto has 31
points.

Colorado is already without midfielder Colin Clark, out for the
year after suffering an ACL injury in training two weeks ago.
The Rapids made a move Monday, acquiring veteran defender Drew
Moor from FC Dallas for defender Ugo Ihemelu.

"In Drew Moor we're getting an experienced defender in a
slightly different mold to Ugo," Smith said. "In Ugo you've got
a pristine athlete with lots of pace, and a terrific kid at that
as well. But I think with Drew you've got maybe a little bit
more of a cultured defender. A little bit more capable on the
ball."

Colorado is the best defensive team at home in MLS, allowing
eight goals in 12 matches. The Rapids have scored nine goals in
their last four home matches.

Facing a tough defense could be a problem for Toronto (8-8-7),
which has not scored during its stretch of three straight road
games. After losing 2-0 to Chivas USA on Aug. 22, Toronto earned
a scoreless draw with Seattle last Saturday.

Toronto realizes it is getting a huge break with Colorado being
short-handed Saturday.

"It's quite difficult to predict their team because obviously
Conor's away, they're got a couple of injuries and they've got a
new guy coming as well," coach Chris Cummins said. "We're going
to try and concentrate on ourselves."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/117176-Toronto-FC-Rapids-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/117176-Toronto-FC-Rapids-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:57:23 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Baudet's goal lifts Rapids over slumping Dynamo 1-0]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By DALE BUBLITZ
STATS MLS Correspondent

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (STATS) - The Colorado Rapids were
momentarily discouraged by the loss of one player. That gave way
to elation by the unexpected return of another.

After losing defender Cory Gibbs to a thigh injury in the 13th
minute, replacement Julien Baudet scored his first goal of the
year in the 55th to lead the Rapids to a 1-0 victory over the
slumping Houston Dynamo on Sunday.

"We were feeling pretty down when Gibbs had to come out,"
Colorado coach Gary Smith said. "At the same time, I thought
there was no way Baudet would get into the game - unless there
was an injury to a defender. And then it happened."

Playing in his first game since breaking his left forearm last
month, Baudet was standing in front of an open net when he
received a corner kick from Mehdi Ballouchy and buried a header
past goalkeeper Pat Onstad.

"I remember sitting on the ground after I went for a header,
landed, heard a crack somewhere, looked at my forearm figuring
it was broken in several places and knew it would take me time
to get back," Baudet said of his injury, suffered in a 4-0 win
over New York on July 25. "The medical people did a job and got
me back in five weeks."

Onstad, who had been screened on the play more by teammates than
by Colorado forwards, could only shake his head in disgust.

"I could see (Baudet) was running in front, but there were
bodies in front of me," Onstad said. "He just flashed into the
corner and there was not much I could do about it."

Smith could only wink in delight at Onstad's misfortune.

"That was our first goal off a corner kick all year," Smith
said.

Goalkeeper Matt Pickens posted his sixth shutout of the season
and 17th of his career for Colorado (9-7-6).

Houston (11-7-7) extended its winless skid to three. The Dynamo
have a two-point lead over Los Angeles in the Western
Conference.

"Our team looked a little tired today," Houston coach Dominic
Kinnear said. "We were fatigued and could only come up with a
couple of chances."

Scoring chances were at a premium in the first half. A shot by
Houston's Stuart Holden barely missed the right post two minutes
into the game. Moments later, Colorado's Nick LaBrocca sent a
weak header into Onstad's stomach.

Onstad easily caught Jacob Peterson's shot from 25 yards in the
24th minute and came out of the crease to take the ball off Omar
Cummings' right foot in the 41st.

Play opened up briefly at the start of the second half. Pickens
came out to stop Kei Kamara on a breakaway in the 49th minute.
Seconds later, Onstad batted away a shot by Peterson.

Pickens also stopped a shot by Kamara in the 68th minute. A
header by Kamara from inside the crease brushed the outside of
the right post in stoppage time.

"There wasn't much to it out there today - a corner kick and a
goal," Kinnear said. "It wasn't an entertaining game."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/116071-Baudets-goal-lifts-Rapids-over-slumping-Dynamo-1-0</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/116071-Baudets-goal-lifts-Rapids-over-slumping-Dynamo-1-0</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:49:35 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Dynamo-Rapids Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ALAN FERGUSON
STATS Writer

Houston (11-6-7) at Colorado (8-7-6), 3:00 p.m. EDT

A pair of ties in the past two matches hasn't helped the Houston
Dynamo feel comfortable as they continue to sit atop the Western
Conference.

The Dynamo hope Sunday's matchup with the inconsistent Colorado
Rapids will help pad their advantage and end a brief winless
streak.

Houston (11-6-7) couldn't hold a lead last week against visiting
Seattle as former Dynamo forward Nate Jaqua scored in the 70th
minute left to force a 1-1 draw.

"We wanted to come out with three points tonight, so that's
disappointing. There was miscommunication on their goal and that
is what it comes down to," said defender Geoff Cameron, who
scored his first goal of the season. "I think we are a better
team overall, but they really put on the pressure and they
create havoc for us."

That followed a scoreless deadlock with Real Salt Lake on Aug.
15.

The Dynamo will try to get back into the win column against a
team they've handled since moving to Texas in 2006.

Houston is 7-2-1 all-time against the Rapids (8-7-6) and beat
them in the playoffs during that inaugural season en route to
winning consecutive MLS Cup titles. The Dynamo are also 3-2-1 in
Colorado, posting a win and a scoreless draw there last season.

The Rapids have also alternated wins and losses in their last
six games and come off a disappointing 3-2 defeat in Chicago on
Aug. 23.

Omar Cummings scored twice early in the second half, and
Colorado still held a 2-0 lead with less than 20 minutes to go.
The Rapids, however, gave up three goals including the go-ahead
score two minutes into stoppage time.

"It's a 90-minute game," Colorado coach Gary Smith told MLS'
official Web site. "If you don't play for 90 minutes then it's
the punishment you get."

Despite his team's struggles, Smith's club has scored 10 goals
in the last four games including a pair of 4-0 victories. Along
with the two goals, Cummings has four assists in those contests
and leads the league with 10.

He also has a career-high eight goals this season and is second
on the Rapids behind Conor Casey's 11.

The Dynamo's sagging offense could get a boost from forward Luis
Angel Landin, who made his much-anticipated MLS debut with 15
minutes remaining against the Sounders.

Houston acquired the 24-year-old on loan from Cruz Azul on Aug.
20 and the Mexican national team member is the team's first-ever
designated player.

"I am not coming here to be a superstar," said Landin, who is on
loan through the end of 2010. "I am just coming here to play, to
be one of the guys, and to contribute in any way possible."

Brian Ching leads Houston with seven goals, but hasn't scored
since a two-goal performance Aug. 1 against D.C. United.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/115873-Dynamo-Rapids-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/115873-Dynamo-Rapids-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:45:29 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Fire rally from two down, stun Rapids 3-2]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[BRIDGEVIEW, Illinois(AP) -- Dasan Robinson scored in injury time
to cap the Chicago Fire's three-goal rally in 18 minutes for a
3-2 win over the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer on
Sunday.

In other matches, the New York Red Bulls edged Dallas 3-2, the
Seattle Sounders drew 1-1 with the Houston Dynamo and the New
England Revolution downed Real Salt Lake 3-1.

Rapids striker Omar Cummings scored twice in a 10-minute span
after the break to give the Rapids a 2-0 lead in the 58th
minute.

Mexican forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco started the comeback for
Chicago with a penalty in the 72nd minute, before Mike Banner
equalized with a 16-meter strike in the 85th.

Robinson's header beat Matt Pickens to the left side of the net
for the Fire.

Robinson celebrated the winner by taking his jersey, earning him
a second yellow card.

Chicago moved within one point of Columbus for the Eastern
Conference lead, while Colorado remained fifth in the West, nine
points behind Houston.

At East Rutherford, New Jersey, Juan Pablo Angel scored his
second goal with two minutes left in regulation to help New York
break a 13-match winless streak in the MLS and 16 matches
overall.

Angel missed the previous two matches due to a concussion
sustained in a CONCACAF Champions League match. Angel scored his
first goal goal when he knocked in the rebound of Macoumba
Kandji's shot in the 88th minute.

Seattle's Nate Jaqua scored for in the 70th minute to give the
Sounders a point in Houston.

Geoff Cameron scored his first goal of the season in the 36th,
but the Dynamo couldn't hold off their former teammate. Jaqua
made 29 appearances for the Dynamo before he was bought by
Seattle.

New England's Kheli Dube scored three goals at Foxborough,
Massachussets for his first career hat trick.

Dube scored his first goal in the ninth minute, when he
converted a low cross from midfielder Mauricio Castro. The
Zimbabwean forward followed 20 minutes later when he knocked in
a rebound after Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando made a diving
save on Michael Videira.

Dube, a finalist for MLS Rookie of the Year after scoring four
goals last year, completed the hat trick of his career in the
67th, as he flicked a cross by Shalrie Joseph into the back of
the net.

RSL got a consolation goal with five minutes to play when
forward Pablo Campos' header in front of the net ricocheted off
defender Darrius Barnes' shin and past goalkeeper Matt Reis.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/114696-Fire-rally-from-two-down-stun-Rapids-3-2</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/114696-Fire-rally-from-two-down-stun-Rapids-3-2</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:55:33 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Rapids-Fire Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ALAN FERGUSON
STATS Writer

Colorado (8-6-6) at Chicago (9-5-8), 6:00 p.m. EDT

Last month, Chicago Fire notched their first road victory over
the Colorado Rapids in nearly 10 years.

The Fire enter Sunday's home match with the well-rested Rapids
looking for a first-ever season sweep that would undoubtedly
help what's been a tumultuous couple of weeks.

Chicago (9-5-8) had lost a season-high three straight when it
traveled to Colorado on July 4, but left with a 2-1 win behind
early goals from Marco Pappa and Wilman Conde. The Fire used
that victory as part of a 3-0-2 run that ended with a 3-2 loss
at Houston on Aug. 9.

The defeat also featured a halftime altercation between coach
Denis Hamlett and defender Bakary Soumare.

The team fined both of them an undisclosed amount on Aug. 15 for
the incident. Soumare, who was named to the MLS' Best IX last
year, has not played since and it's unclear if he'll return to
the team.

"If you look at what we've done without him in other games,
we've been fine," goalkeeper Jon Busch said. "We have quality
defenders. We're professionals. We get paid to play soccer. All
the other stuff is (expletive). We don't make excuses."

In addition to Soumare's likely absence, Chicago will also be
without midfielder John Thorrington because of yellow-card
accumulation.

The Fire opened a three-game homestand Wednesday night with
their first loss at Toyota Park in nearly 2 1/2 months. In a 2-0
defeat to Los Angeles, Chicago failed to put any of its 10 shots
on goal and remained four points behind Eastern Conference
leader Columbus.

"If you can't get up for big games like this, then I don't know
what the problem is," Busch said. "This is when big players step
up. It doesn't have to be fancy soccer. It has to be effective
soccer. It doesn't matter about flicks and fancy ... that's
(expletive)."

Colorado, meanwhile will have the benefit of 15 days off before
taking the field Sunday. The Rapids (8-6-6), trying to earn
their first playoff berth since 2006, are in the middle of the
Western Conference standings and nine points behind first-place
Houston.

Since losing to Chicago, Colorado has alternated wins and losses
over its next five matches. In a 4-0 win Aug. 8 against Chivas
USA, Pablo Mastroeni scored his first goal in more than four
years 26 seconds into the match, and Conor Casey followed with
three goals before halftime.

Casey took over the league goal-scoring lead with 11, and Omar
Cummings' three assists gave him an MLS-best 10 this season.

"Conor had a big night for us, but it was Pablo that gave us the
big lift early," coach Gary Smith said. "He hit a real
scorcher."

The Rapids are 0-3-1 in their past four trips to Chicago and
have one win in their last 11 - a 3-0 victory on Aug. 14, 2004.
They are also winless in their last three road games since May
30.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/114394-Rapids-Fire-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/114394-Rapids-Fire-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:19:23 GMT</pubDate>
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