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Casey scores 2 goals as Rapids top Red Bulls

May 31, 2009 - 6:08 AM EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- Conor Casey scored two goals on headers to take over the league's goal scoring lead, and Mehdi Ballouchy added one on a penalty kick to lift the Colorado Rapids to a 3-2 victory over the struggling New York Red Bulls on Saturday night.

The Rapids (4-2-4) are 2-0-3 in their last five matches and are tied for third place in the Western Conference.

The Red Bulls (2-7-3) are mired in last place in the East, falling to 1-5-1 in their last seven contests.

After scoring three times in just two games last year, Casey scored his seventh and eighth goals of the season. He also has five career scores against New York to move past Ross Paule as the Rapids' leading goal scorer against the New York franchise.

Casey got the Rapids on the scoreboard in the 25th minute. He ran on a full sprint past two defenders and managed to get his head on a crossing pass from Colin Clark. Ballouchy was also credited with an assist.

The Red Bulls tied it in the closing minute of the first half, when Dane Richards was pulled down from behind by Colorado defender Cory Gibbs. Juan Pablo Angel converted the free kick for his fourth goal of the season in the 45th minute.

Three minutes into the second half, Casey put in the go-ahead goal. Omar Cummings made a nice run up the right side and passed in front to Jordan Harvey, whose left-footed cross was headed in by Casey.

In the 60th minute, Red Bulls midfielder Albert Celades tripped Cummings in the box, giving Colorado a penalty kick attempt that was converted by Ballouchy for his first goal this season.

The Red Bulls closed the scoring in the 73rd minute, when Danleigh Borman knocked in a rebound of Angel's shot for his first goal of the season.

It was the Rapids' third straight win over the Red Bulls.

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Story from: STATS LLC, http://www.stats.com.