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Rapids-Earthquakes Preview

Apr 30, 2010 - 6:27 PM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Colorado (3-1-1) at San Jose (2-2-0), 10:00 p.m. EDT

Even with goalkeeper Matt Pickens still adjusting to a full-time role, the Colorado Rapids are off to the best start in franchise history.

Pickens and the Rapids look to win their third straight game as they visit the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.

Colorado's 10 points are the most in team history through five games. The Rapids (3-1-1) began April with a tie and a loss, but bounced back to beat Toronto FC 3-1 on April 18 and New England 2-1 last Saturday night.

"It's early but I think we are in a decent spot," Pickens told the Rapids' official website. "I think it could be better. It can always be better. We have a good attitude in the group right now. We are always out here working. There's nobody bigger than anybody else."

Pickens has started all five games for Colorado, giving up five goals in four contests since shutting out Chivas USA 1-0 in the season opener March 26. He's entrenched as the Rapids' starting goalie after spending most of last season alternating with Preston Burpo.

"You are never going to have a perfect season," he said. "The best goalkeepers in the world have their bad days, too. Of course I am going to make mistakes. I'm going to make more, I know I will. I just want to limit those."

Colorado's offense has helped make Pickens' transition easier, scoring a league-best eight goals. Captain Pablo Mastroeni scored in the 73rd minute to secure the Rapids' latest victory.

The Rapids are facing an Earthquakes team that is coming off one of its worst defensive performances of the season, losing 3-2 to Chivas USA last Saturday night.

San Jose (2-2-0) had to make do without midfielder Andre Luiz, whose left knee swelled up during pregame warmups. It's unclear if Luiz, who still hasn't fully recovered after undergoing surgery on the knee two months ago, will be available to play against Colorado.

"He's one heck of a player, especially with his composure," forward Chris Wondolowski said. "He's able to quarterback things and get us in the right places, calm us down in the right spots."

If Luiz can't play, Ramon Sanchez will likely start in his place again.

Despite a poor performance defensively and Luiz's absence, San Jose came away with some positives after scoring goals late in each half.

"We have tremendous fight with this team," Wondolowski said. "We'll fight tooth and nail, fight for each other, cover for each other, do what it takes."

Wondolowski scored his second goal of the season and rookie defender Steven Beitashour posted the first of his career. The Earthquakes have scored two goals in each of their last three games after losing their season opener 3-0 to Real Salt Lake on March 27.

Colorado and San Jose played twice last season, tying both games 1-1.