MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids' "Fiesta de Dollar" this Sunday in AT&T Parking Lot

Published on August 26, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


The Colorado Rapids evened up the season series with the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday afternoon, defeating the defending champions 3-0 at INVESCO Field. Colorado forward Chris Carrieri had the game winning goal early in the first half, while midfielder Mark Chung added a goal and an assist to his season tally. Chris Carrieri netted his tenth goal of the season in the eighth minute of play, a blistering half volley shot that blazed past goalkeeper Joe Cannon. Carlos Valderrama, starting in his league-record 171st consecutive game, booted an early ball from midfield over the San Jose defense into space near the edge of the box. Carrieri ran onto the ball and ripped a low, one-touch shot past Cannon for the opening goal. Rapids' rookie Zach Kingsley notched his second career goal in the 67th minute, nodding away a perfectly placed outswinging corner kick by Chung. Kingsley found room in the box and connected well, redirecting the ball to the far post and out of the reach of Cannon for the 2-0 lead. Colorado added the third and final goal in stoppage time, after Cannon was ejected from the match for taking down Seth Trembly on a breakaway chance. Chung stepped to the spot, easily blowing the conversion past backup goalkeeper Jon Conway to ice the game at 3-0. Colorado (11-10-3, 36 points) remains one point behind Dallas in the Western Conference, currently holding the fourth spot on the list. The Rapids travel to the newly renamed Gillette Stadium, home of MLS Cup 2002, to face the New England Revolution on Wednesday, August 28th.

Rapids Face Revs at Newly Named Gillette Stadium, Return to Host Burn at INVESCO

The Rapids will be looking to win the 2002 regular season series against the New England Revolution, Wednesday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. as the clubs clash for the fourth and final time. The Rapids are 2-1 against the Revs heading into the mid-week match, outscoring the Eastern Conference club 9-5 in the three meetings. The all-time series stands at 10-6-1 in favor of Colorado, with the Rapids posting a 4-3-1 mark in Foxboro since 1996. Chris Henderson, Mark Chung and Chris Carrieri have been the Revs killers so far this season, posting 8 g, 4 a between them in the three meetings to date. New England forward Taylor Twellman, currently standing at 15 g, 5 a (35 pts.), has led the offensive charge for the Revs, posting 3 g, 2 a against the Rapids this season.

Following Wednesday night's game in Foxboro, the Rapids return home to face conference nemesis Dallas Burn at INVESCO Field on Sunday, Sept. 1. The last time Dallas visited Colorado (7/27), the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

One Win and We're In!

When the Rapids travel to Foxboro, Mass. on Aug. 28 to face the New England Revolution, they will be looking for more than just another win and move in the standings. A victory at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday night would mean an early playoff berth with three games remaining in the 2002 regular season. Entering the mid-week game with an 11-10-3 mark and 36 points, three points would gift Colorado with its first trip to the MLS post season since 2000 as the Revolution (25 pts.) would be unable to catch the Rapids with four games left. Three-time MLS champion D.C. United (23 pts.), also with five games remaining, would fall short of Colorado as well, even with five straight victories. Currently, the Rapids hold the No. 4 position in the Western Conference and the No. 5 spot in the playoff table.

Fiesta de Dollar Con Los Rapids, Sunday, Sept 1 at INVESCO

The Rapids are set to host a one-of-a-kind party on Sunday, Sept. 1 at INVESCO Field in conjunction with the late season showdown against Conference foe, the Dallas Burn. The pre-game event, Fiesta de Dollar will take place from 4-7 p.m. in the AT&T parking lot, located just to the East of the Stadium. Admittance is free with a game ticket and will feature the live entertainment of three bands: Cabaret Diosa, Los Braveros de Pena and Manuel Molina and his combo. The latin décor will also include two mechanical bulls and calf roping. With every purchase of a $1 taco from Illegal Pete's, patrons will receive a free beer courtesy of the Colorado Rapids and Budweiser.

Well-tuned Offense

The Colorado Rapids are getting offensive production from all over the field this season, as the only team placing three players on the MLS Top 10 scoring list late in the 2002 campaign. This season, Colorado has been led by second-year forward Chris Carrieri (10 g, 5 a, 25 pts) and veteran midfielders Mark Chung (9 g, 8 a, 26 pts) and Chris Henderson (10 g, 5 a, 25 pts). The trio has combined for 76 of 125 points posted by the Rapids this season.

Henderson and Chung Approaching Career Pinnacles

Before coming to Colorado prior to the 2002 season, Rapids midfielders Chris Henderson and Mark Chung had each played for three MLS clubs since joining the league, leading their teams to eight post-season and two MLS Cup appearances between them. Now in their seventh MLS season, the veteran midfield pair are approaching single-season career best perfomances while leading Colorado toward MLS Cup 2002. As an all-star member of the Kansas City Wizards in 1997, Chung posted 10 g, 8 a (28 pts) and currently sits just two points shy of that career mark with four games remaining in the regular season, recording 9 g, 8 a (26 pts) through 23 games. Henderson, making his return to the Rapids after leaving Colorado in 1999 has posted 10 g, 5 a (25 pts) to date, just two points shy of his career-best seasons in '97 and 2000 when he ended those campaigns with 27 points. Ironically, both seasons found the three-time all-star in the MLS Cup final, taking home the title in 2000 with the Kansas City Wizards. As similar type midfielders, this playmaking duo has registered strikingly close career numbers. Chung: 38 g, 57 a (133 pts); Henderson: 37 g, 58 a (132 pts).

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Major League Soccer Stories from August 26, 2002


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