Rapids Claim 2-1 Win Over San Jose Monday Afternoon

The Colorado Rapids evened their preseason series with the San Jose Earthquakes with a 2-1 victory today at Loyola Marymount University.

The Rapids used goals by Conor Casey and Jacob Peterson to move to 3-2 during the 2009 preseason and avenge a 0-2 loss to the Earthquakes just three days earlier.

"I thought today was a much more realistic and professional performance which we were rewarded with a couple of goals and a win," said head coach Gary Smith. "We looked a lot brighter and a lot sharper than we did Friday and we continue to take positive steps."

Casey tallied his first goal of the New Year in the 23rd minute, striking a 25-yard rocket over the reach of Joe Cannon to put the Rapids up 1-0.

Minutes later Casey came close to adding another score after beating Cannon only to hit the post, as Colorado would hold their 1-0 advantage at the half.

In the 57th minute, Peterson added to the Rapids’ lead scoring off a Colin Clark cross.

The Rapids finished the game a man down after Peterson left the match suffering a cramp, leaving San Jose to capitalize in the 88th minute with their lone goal from Quincy Amarikwa.

The team will train at The Home Depot Center tomorrow and then face the LA Galaxy on Wednesday afternoon before returning to Colorado.

Colorado Rapids Lineup: Matt Pickens, Jordan Harvey, Cory Gibbs (Michael Holody 64), Ugo Ihemelu, Kosuke Kimura (Serge Wawa 64), Pablo Mastroeni (Nick LaBrocca 64), Colin Clark (Ivan Guerrero 64), Jacob Peterson, Mehdi Ballouchy (Greg Dalby 64), Conor Casey (Terry Cooke 64), Omar Cummings (Gregory Richardson 46)

Rapids Claim 2-1 Win Over San Jose Monday Afternoon