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MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids Defeat Defending MLS Champs for First Win of 2004

April 27, 2004 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


Denver, CO (04-24-04) – The Colorado Rapids picked up their first victory of the 2004 season with a 1-0 triumph over the defending MLS Cup Champion San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

Midfielder Chris Henderson scored midway through the first half for the game's only goal. With the win, the Rapids' record improves to 1-0-2, with 5 points, pushing the club into third place in the Western Conference.

The win also moves the Rapids to within one match of tying the longest home unbeaten streak in MLS history at 15 games. Colorado has not lost at home since May 17, 2003 against the MetroStars, compiling a 9-0-5 regular season record since their last defeat at home.

The Rapids looked to have taken the lead in the 11th minute on a fantastic back heel by Kyle Beckerman that beat the San Jose goalkeeper, but his goal was disallowed when he was judged to be offsides.

Just fifteen minutes later, however, as the Rapids had done in each of their first two matches this season, the team was able to get on the board first, as Chris Henderson scored his first goal of the season. (Watch the goal by clicking here: www.coloradorapids.com/FanCenter/AudioVideo.asp )

In his own end of the field, John Spencer chested the ball down for Kyle Beckerman, who hit a perfect 40-yard pass to Henderson, who had gotten in behind the San Jose defense just over the midfield line. Henderson settled the ball and carried it a good 50 yards before blasting a perfectly-placed low shot past Earthquakes keeper Pat Onstad to his right.

Beckerman was credited with his first assist of the season on the goal, which came in the 26th minute, while Henderson moved to within one point of tying Paul Bravo as the leading scorer in Rapids history. (Bravo holds the record at 100 career points; Henderson is currently at 99).

Following Hendo's goal, each team would create a number of chances through the first half, but neither was able to put the ball in the net. The forward combination of Dwayne DeRosario and Landon Donovan was able to get a number of shots off for San Jose, but they were unable to get any of the shots on target and test Joe Cannon, who was making his first career start against his former club.

At the other end of the pitch, Jean Philippe Peguero went close with a header, only for Pat Onstad to make a diving save, and John Spencer hit the post with a header of his own off an Antonio de la Torre cross shortly after Peguero's chance.

In the second half, the Earthquakes pushed forward looking for an equalizer, but were unable to breach the stalwart Rapids defense. Despite bringing two more forwards off the bench, San Jose was only able to muster three shots on goal in the final 45 minutes, all of which Cannon stopped for his first shutout of the season and the 27th of his career.

Despite the win, there was some bad news for head coach Tim Hankinson and the Rapids. Just prior to the match, midfielder Darryl Powell was scratched from the starting lineup and replaced by Matt Crawford after he slightly injured his hamstring during the pre-game warmups.

The injury bug bit again in the second half when Spencer pulled up lame after being taken down on a breakaway by a San Jose defender. He was also diagnosed with a hamstring injury and was forced to leave the match, with David Castellanos replacing him and making his MLS debut.

The Rapids return to action next Saturday night, May 1st, at 6:30 p.m. (MT) when they travel to Kansas City to take on the Wizards.

Colorado returns home to Denver on Friday, May 7 when they host the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. (MT). Tickets for this match and all other Rapids home matches are on sale now. Call 303-825-GOAL for tickets or more information.

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