MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids Roll to 3-0 Victory

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


DENVER (Saturday, August 24, 2002) - 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.

The Earthquakes moved the ball through the midfield well, but were unable to connect on the final pass. Manny Lagos had the best chance for San Jose in the 22d minute, a sharp-angled shot from close range that goalkeeper David Kramer parried away with an outstretched left hand.

A trio of shots hit the woodwork in the second half, adding spice to the second stanza of the match. Mark Chung's 55th minute free kick prompted a diving save by Cannon, who could only watch as Chung pounded the rebound off the crossbar. Ten minutes later, Ariel Graziani saw his equalizer chance ricochet off the near post, while Valderrama sent a shot clanging off the upper corner of the 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.

San Jose (13-8-3, 42 points) still remains atop the Western Conference and League standings, remaining the only team to have secured a playoff berth. The `Quakes will next take on the D.C. United on Saturday, August 31st at RFK Stadium. While United has struggled this season, the Quakes have not fared well on the road, posting a 2-8-2 record away from Spartan Stadium.

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.

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Major League Soccer Stories from August 26, 2002


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