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McManus, Rapids end woes against FC Dallas

Jun 1, 2008 - 11:48 PM COMMERCE CITY, Colorado (Ticker) -- Tom McManus tallied in the 72nd minute to break a tie and lift the Colorado Rapids to a 2-1 victory over FC Dallas on Sunday.

Conor Casey scored a first-half goal for the Rapids (5-5-0), who defeated their Western Division rival for the first time since September 4, 2004 - a span of 12 matches.

The win also moves the Rapids into first place in the division, one point ahead of three teams tied for second.

"Any time you win at home is big," Colorado coach Fernando Clavijo. "We played a very good team in Dallas. The attitude was great today. The passes were great. The attitude and disposition of the players was key for us."

With the game tied at the half, Colorado came out and dominated play over the final 45 minutes, generating numerous scoring chances while outshooting the visitors, 12-2.

McManus had an early opportunity to break the tie in the 53rd minute but his right-footed blast from just outside the 18-yard box was tipped wide by diving Dallas goalkeeper Ray Burse.

However, the Rapids forward would get another chance and this time cashed in, after tracking down a bouncing ball inside the Dallas penalty area. McManus shielded off Dallas defender Duilio Davino and beat Burse from 10 yards out in the middle of the box with a low shot into the right corner of the goal for his third tally of the season.

"The ball was just not going for me, but I stuck with it," said McManus, who scored for the second straight game. "The second half, I played much better. I am just excited for the team to get three points."

Omar Cunnings had a number of chances to give the Rapids an insurance goal but Burse was up to the task, making three saves - some spectacular - in the game's final 10 minutes. The 23-year-old Burse finished with six stops in his first start of the season.

Casey got Colorado on the board in the seventh minute, receiving a long pass from Christian Gomez and burying a shot from the left side of the box in the lower right corner.

"We played longer balls then we have before today, but we had someone to play to today: Conor Casey," Clavijo said. "Conor is a guy that plays very well with his back to the goal, he is very good for his size, has a great touch, and he is someone that you need to worry about in the box."

Colorado maintained its slim lead until Dallas netted the equalizer just before halftime.

Following a corner kick, Dominic Oduro slid onto a loose ball and pushed it past Rapids goalkeeper Preston Burpo for his fourth goal of the season.

"I thought it came at the right time, and we were hoping it would give us momentum going into the second half," Oduro said. "We were hoping to come out and control the run of play. It was unfortunate though that things did not go out way."

Dallas dropped to 1-1-1 under interim coach Marco Ferruzzi and is now winless in its last three road contests.