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LaBrocca's timely goal leads Rapids over Revolution

Apr 13, 2008 - 2:46 AM By Mike Stiriti PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

FOXBORO, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- Nick LaBrocca scored in the 68th minute to lead the Colorado Rapids to a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday.

Jose Burciaga Jr. took a free kick from the left side and LaBrocca headed it past Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis to help Colorado bounce back from a 3-2 loss to Kansas City last Saturday.

The Rapids (2-1-0) were opportunistic, as they scored on their lone shot on goal. Bouna Coundoul stopped nine shots for Colorado, while Reis did not make a save.

"It feels great," LaBrocca said. "The entire team, from the starting 11 to the three guys that came on, worked themselves into the ground. I feel like we deserve it."

"These guys worked really hard, I'm really proud of them," Colorado coach Fernando Clavijo said.

New England (2-2-0) lost despite outshooting Colorado, 17-4.

"I guess tonight particularly new guys found out what MLS is all about," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. "Three games in a week, you play away on a Wednesday and you're traveling all day Thursday and then you have to go again on Saturday.

"It's not easy and I think you saw tonight that it was a real problem for us. We didn't have the zip that we usually have. But we didn't deserve to lose the game. They came for a point and ended up getting three. Everyone was quiet in the dressing room because we know we let an opportunity slip by."

The Revolution controlled the pace of the game, but they were unable to capitalize on their limited scoring opportunities. Coundoul was solid all night, making five first-half saves to keep New England off the scoreboard.

Besides the play of Coundoul, the first half was highlighted by near misses. Reis came out of the net to challenge a shot by Christian Gomez in the 22nd minute, and Jay Heaps saved a score with a header near the goal line.

LaBrocca put Colorado ahead for good midway through the second half, but they relied on Coundoul to come up with a couple more clutch saves, including one in stoppage time to protect the lead.

"He's been great," Clavijo said. "We have faith in Bouna. He showed us a lot last year, and he's even better this year. Thats what he's in there for."

Both teams are off until April 19, when Colorado hosts San Jose and New England travels to New York.