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Casey hat trick powers Rapids past Galaxy

Apr 8, 2009 - 12:51 AM CARSON, California (AP) -- Conor Casey demonstrated what he could do after experiencing a healthy preseason.

Casey scored three goals, including the second-quickest in Major League Soccer history, to give the Colorado Rapids a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday night.

Last year, Casey missed the Rapids' first nine games while recovering from off-season knee surgery.

"Being able to make it through an entire preseason is huge," he said. "I don't think I've been able to do that in three or four years."

Rapids coach Gary Smith said a healthy Casey makes a significant difference.

"His worth to the team is immense, goals aside," Smith said. "For a big guy, he's got terrific technique and very good vision. The pressure he attracts offers opportunities to others."

Omar Cummings added two assists for the Rapids (2-1-0). Omar Gonzalez and Alan Gordon scored for the Galaxy (0-1-1), with Landon Donovan providing two assists.

"Let's not kid anybody; our performance was terrible," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "I give our guys a lot of credit for hanging in and fighting but there were an incredible number of mental mistakes.

"I'm embarrassed for our fans and for our organization, and that's what I told the team."

Casey's final goal snapped a 2-all tie in the 84th minute. Colin Clark began the play by stealing the ball from Sean Franklin, dribbling up the left flank and passing to Casey for a breakaway.

Casey faked goalkeeper Josh Saunders out of position and scored from two yards out for the second three-goal game of his career. He also scored three goals against New York last Sept. 27.

"I've probably played a bit better in the last two games," Casey said. "I just wasn't as lucky in front of the goal. Tonight, I was able to get on the end of things."

The Galaxy had been playing with 10 men since the 59th minute, when Dema Kovalenko received a red card for sliding into Mehdi Ballouchy's right leg.

Casey began the scoring 16 seconds into the game with a 4-yard shot off Cummings' right-wing cross. Dwayne DeRosario scored in 11 seconds for San Jose against Dallas in 2003 for the quickest goal in MLS history.

Gonzalez tied the score in the 37th minute with a 2-yard header off Donovan's corner kick. The goal was Gonzalez's first as a professional.

Gordon put the Galaxy ahead 2-1 in the 48th minute. Donovan attracted two defenders and drew goalkeeper Preston Burpo away from the net before passing to an unmarked Gordon, who converted from three yards.

Taking the lead "was unbelievable after we somehow managed to give up a goal on the opening kickoff," Arena said.

But Casey tied the score two minutes later by converting Cummings' right-wing cross from six yards.

Burpo started his first game of the season in place of Matt Pickens, who did not travel because of back spasms.