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Union-Rapids Preview

Sep 28, 2010 - 9:28 PM By MIKE LIPKA STATS Editor

Philadelphia (7-12-6) at Colorado (10-7-8), 9:30 p.m. EDT

The Colorado Rapids are in position for their first playoff berth since 2006 largely because of a string of dominating performances at home.

Even with leading goal scorer Conor Casey suspended, they'd likely be unsatisfied with anything besides three points Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Union, who've lost 10 of their 13 road games.

The Rapids (10-7-8) haven't conceded a goal at home since July 31 against FC Dallas, building a shutout streak of 428 minutes while extending their home unbeaten run to nine.

They've won their last three home matches by 3-0 scores, twice getting goals in the first five minutes while improving to 7-1-4 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

"When you start off games like we have with the last three home games scoring quickly, goals seem to come easier and it is definitely something you want to recreate every time you come out and play," Casey said after the Rapids beat New England in their last home match Sept. 18.

Colorado, which holds a five-point lead on Kansas City for the final MLS playoff spot, can all but secure the berth by winning both home games this week, including a matchup with league-worst D.C. on Saturday.

"We go back home for two games in a very good mood, a confident mood, to try to see ourselves in the postseason," coach Gary Smith said after a 1-all tie at Real Salt Lake last Saturday.

Casey scored his 11th goal but also picked up his fifth yellow card, earning him a suspension for Wednesday's match.

It's unclear if Omar Cummings will be able to help pick up the slack. The Jamaican forward has five goals in his last four games, boosting his season total to 10, but he missed last weekend's match with a sprained left ankle.

Macoumba Kandji may get his second consecutive start after the Rapids acquired the striker from New York on Sept. 14.

Colorado will need to find a goal somewhere in order to win a fifth consecutive home game, but it may help to be facing Philadelphia, which has allowed 26 goals while going 2-10-1 on the road.

The Union (7-12-6), however, may be more confident than ever after the most lopsided victory of their inaugural season, 3-0 over Chivas USA on Saturday. Sebastien Le Toux capped the scoring with his 12th goal - two behind MLS leader Edson Buddle of Los Angeles.

Coach Peter Nowak's club has also shown some improved defense lately, shutting out two of its last three opponents after allowing at least one goal in its first 22 games.

"I think the big thing is continuity and getting to know each other better," captain Danny Califf told the Union's official website. "We put an onus on trying to be better defensively one to 11, so I think that's starting to pay off."

In their first meeting, these teams played to a 1-all tie Aug. 14 at Philadelphia.