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Rapids rally to beat Galaxy, make playoffs

Oct 17, 2010 - 5:40 AM CARSON, Calif. (AP) -- Conor Casey and Omar Cummings each had a goal and an assist to help the Colorado Rapids rally for a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday night, earning their first playoff berth in four years.

The Rapids (12-8-9) also benefitted from an own goal. New England's 1-0 victory over Kansas City ensured the Rapids' berth. "Winning is a mindset," said Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni, who played in two World Cups for the United States. "After not making the playoffs for a few years, you start getting into that rut where it's a little harder to do."

Edson Buddle scored for the Galaxy (17-7-5), which leads Real Salt Lake by one point with one game left in the race for the league's best record and the Western Conference's regular-season championship.

"I didn't think we played that badly," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "We moved the ball well and we created some decent chances. But we got punished for our mistakes."

Casey broke a 1-1 tie in the 31st minute with his 12th goal of the season. Pablo Mastroeni secured a loose ball in midfield and freed Cummings with a pass to the right flank. Casey then converted Cummings' crossing pass from seven yards.

"He's very, very difficult to deal with," Rapids coach Gary Smith said of Cummings' speed. "He made a wonderful pass to Conor. He's such an exciting lad."

Cummings made it 3-1 in the 67th minute on a 14-yard shot inside the right post off Casey's pass for his 13th goal.

Buddle put the Galaxy ahead in the ninth minute with an 18-yard shot for his league-leading 17th goal.

The Rapids tied the score in the 18th minute on an own goal. Buddle deflected teammate Sean Franklin's attempted clearance of Jamie Smith's corner kick into his own net.

The Galaxy's David Beckham played a full 90 minutes for the second time since returning from a torn left Achilles tendon he suffered in March.

"He was pretty sharp, at times," Arena said. "Obviously, his fitness needs a little bit more work. But he's getting better every week."

Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter played his first game since Aug. 14 after being diagnosed with various injuries. Alex Cazumba replaced Berhalter in the 73rd minute.