Rapids blank New England
The new-look Colorado Rapids continue to impress in pre-season play, recording a 2-0 victory over New England on March 15.
Former Clemson and Colorado Foxes star Wolde Harris scored on a breakaway goal in the 39th minute to open the scoring. Paul Bravo scored the second goal in the 74th minute when he jumped on the rebound of Chris Henderson’s shot and tapped it home. Henderson helped to preserve the victory by clearing a Patrick Olalere blast off the line.
March 15 in Orlando, Fla.
Colorado 2 New England 0. Goals: Harris 39, Bravo (C. Henderson) 74.
Colorado — Grafer, Kmosko (Amaya), Jakins, Trittschuh, Bates, Paz, Tote, Paule (S. Henderson), C. Henderson (Benedetti), Wegerle (Bravo), Harris.
New England — Coufal, Kerr, G. Lalas, Wylie, George, Debrito, Naveda, Chronopoulos, Sawatzky (Klein), Olalere, Michaels.
Att.: 419.
Galaxy ties Zodiac
Los Angeles and its A-League affiliate, the Orange County Zodiac, played to a 1-1 tie at the Santa Ana Bowl on March 15.
The game was the Zodiac’s home opener, and 4,359 were in attendance.
Chris Armas put Los Angeles ahead in the 16th minute with a blast into the upper right corner. Three minutes later, the Galaxy was unfortunate not to score a second goal when Eduardo Hurtado’s shot ricocheted off of Orange County keeper Marcos Cerna.
Orange County, despite being reduced to 10 men when Cerna was red-carded for handling the ball outside the area, rallied to tie the score in the closing minutes. Jose Vasquez, recently released by the Galaxy, penetrated the Los Angeles defense and made a fine short pass to Gustavo Leal, who scored the equalizer.
March 15 in Santa Ana
Orange County (A-League) 1 Los Angeles (MLS) 1. Goals: Armas 16; Leal (Vasquez) n/a.
Att.: 4,359.
Around the League
Columbus — A short-handed Crew team fell 3-1 to the Richmond Kickers in a preseason game March 15. Todd Yeagley scored the Columbus goal.
MetroStars — Midfielder David Stewart was waived; Defender Scott Lamphear (a ’96 collegiate draft selection) announced his retirement from soccer.
Tampa Bay — The Mutiny will play two games in El Salvador next week before returning to Florida. Tampa will face First Division clubs Alianza on March 20 and Aguila on March 23.
Kansas City — Another Wizards defender joined the injured list when Scott Uderitz underwent surgery to repair a medial meniscus tear of his left knee. He is expected to be out 8-10 weeks. Sean Bowers (neuroma) and Steve Pittman (third degree ankle sprain) are also hurt, although Pittman is expected to return for the Wizards opener against San Jose March 29…. The Wizards released former MSL star Nebo Bandovic and collegiate draft pick Jake Joy.
New England — Nearly 34,000 tickets have been sold for the Revolution’s April 20 doubleheader featuring the U.S. national team qualifier against Mexico and the Revs’ home opener against Tampa Bay.