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MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids Announce Schedule for Second Leg of 2003 Preseason Tour

March 7, 2003 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


DENVER, CO (03-07-03)- After a succesfull 6-1 record in the first stage of the team's pre-season in Florida, the Colorado Rapids announced today the team's plans for the second leg of the 2003 preseason tour that will take the Black and Blue to Las Vegas, Nevada and Guadalajara, Mexico to battle five Mexican clubs in a 16-day period.

Head Coach Tim Hankinson's squad kicks off the tour on Wednesday March 12 at 7:00 PM when the his Black and Blue side takes on Club Santos Laguna of the Mexican first division at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Colorado will face high profile players such as Mexican National Team forward Jared Borgetti and midfielder Joahan Rodriguez, Chilean forward Rodrigo "El Pony" Ruiz, and Spanish midfielder Javier Manjarín, who currently play for the two-time Mexican League champions.

Following the match, the Rapids will return to Denver to train for two days before departing to Guadalajara, Mexico on Sunday, March 16. While in Mexican territory, the team is scheduled to play Club Atlas, Club Chivas, Club Tecos (from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara), and Club Tapatios.

On Tuesday, March 18 at 9:30 AM, the Black and Blue will face Club Atlas at that club's training facilities. The Mexican powerhouse features starters such as Mexican internationals Juan Pablo "El Chato" Rodriguez, Daniel Osorno and Gabriel Caballero. The two sides were originally scheduled to face each other last October at INVESCO Field at Mile High, but had to cancel the game after Atlas made changes in coaching personel. World reknowed club Chivas will be the Rapids second opponent in Guadalajara. The two teams will clash on Thursday, March 20 at 10:00 AM.

Club Guadalajara, which was established in 1906, has won ten championships with a roster solely made of Mexican players. The third match of the leg puts the Rapids against Mexican second division (Primera A) club Tapatio on Monday, March 24 at 3:00 PM. Tapatio is currently in third place of the Mexican second division championship.

The Rapids conclude the Mexican preseason trip Wednesday, March 26 with a game against club Tecos from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara at 4:00 PM. Club Tecos features international stars such as Brazilian forward Osmar "Pantera" Donizete and Mexican midfielder Jorge Santillana. The team will then return to Denver on Friday March 28th to prepare for their home opener against Landon Donovan and the rest of the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, April 12th at 7:00 PM at INVESCO field at Mile High.

2003 Rapids individual tickets are on sale now! 2003 Ticket prices are: $15.00 Touchline, $20.00 Premium, $25.00 VIP, and $35.00 Club seats. Tickets may be obtained by telephone through Ticketmaster at (303) 830-TIXS, via the internet at www.coloradorapids.com, at all front range Ticketmaster locations including Foley's, Wherehouse Music and selected Rite-Aid stores, and without service fees at the INVESCO Field at Mile High Ticket Office (hours M-F 8:00-5:00).

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