MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids Win on Penalty Kicks over LA Galaxy in U.S. Open Cup Play-In Match

Published on April 8, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


CARSON, CA. (Tuesday, April 7, 2009) - The Colorado Rapids won in dramatic fashion over the LA Galaxy Tuesday night at The Home Depot Center when goalkeeper Preston Burpo stopped a second penalty kick lifting the Rapids to victory.

Colorado eliminates Los Angeles for the second consecutive year in a U.S. Open Cup play-in match. The Rapids now await the winner of the Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders FC match scheduled for April 28 for the opportunity to reach the Round of 16.

Facing each other for the second time in the last four days, the Rapids used a valiant defensive effort to secure the win.

Both sides battled throughout the first 45 minutes of play with neither side holding too much of the advantage as the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 at the break.

Colorado's best two scoring opportunities of the first half came from Jacob Peterson. In the 13th minute, Peterson carried the ball down the left side of the pitch turning the corner at the end line before feeding a perfect pass to the penalty spot for Ross Schunk. Schunk, seeing his first career MLS action, pushed his shot wide right.

Peterson would have a second scoring chance in the 31st minute when he stole the ball from Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter at the edge of the box. Looking at open space to the net, his shot would go wide left of the target.

The biggest play of the half came in the 36th minute when Greg Dalby was issued a red card following his slide tackle foul on Stefani Miglioranzi on a 50/50 ball.

Near the end of regulation both teams created excellent scoring chances. Los Angeles' Alan Gordon found himself with the ball in the box after it slid through two Rapids defenders, but with his second touch chipped it high over the crossbar.

In the 86th, Terry Cooke hit his shot wide left after Colorado creativity worked for an open look inside the penalty area.

The Galaxy controlled the first 15 minute overtime session with the Rapids not able to muster a shot, but the score stayed at 0-0.

In the second overtime period, Colorado showed a lot more spirit and were able to create several quality scoring chances even earning their first two corner kicks of the match. But still in the end, the goal tally showed no results moving the match into a penalty kick situation.

Omar Cumming calmly stepped up and converted the first PK for Colorado. LA followed with a goal from Alan Gordon. Mehdi Ballouchy buried his chance to put the pressure back on the Galaxy. Chris Klein could not make good as Burpo saved his shot with a dive to his left. Colin Clark put the Rapids ahead with a confident shot to the back of the net. LA did their best to keep pace as Bryan Jordan scored making the count 3-2. Ugo Ihemelu with a two step approach made good on his opportunity for Colorado setting up Burpo's game winning heroics. Mike Magee became victim number two, as the Rapids 'keeper saved the shot as the winning club rushed the pitch.

Colorado returns to regular season action this Saturday traveling to face the defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew on April 11 at 5:30 pm MT at Crew Stadium.

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Major League Soccer Stories from April 8, 2009


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