Recent signing Neathan Gibson had a pair of goals to lead Colorado past New England, 4-2, on Saturday afternoon in MLS Spring Training preseason action. The Rapids (1-1) have scored seven goals in two games in Ft. Lauderdale. “As long as we don’t run out of goals, we’ll be all set,” first-year coach Tim Hankinson said. “If you have players like Junior Agogo, Gibson and John Spencer, you are going to earn restarts. I am feeling comfortable with our offense. We need to sure up defensive midfield and find a natural winger.” The deciding goal came in the 64th minute when the 21-year-old Agogo made an explosive run through the New England defense in the 64th minute. He took a long pass from Rapids goalkeeper David Kramer and split the center of the defense. The fleet striker sent a left-footed drive from inside the box past Jeff Causey to make it 3-1. The Revs (0-2) pulled one back in the 76th minute when guest player Nacho Conte slid a pass from deep in the right corner, which deflected off goalie David Kramer toward Jamar Beasley, who easily found the back of the net. “I felt relieved to score a goal, it has been a tough preseason for me,” Beasley said. “I have been working extra hard, staying late after practice trying to prepare for the season.” Colorado regained its two-goal cushion in the 80th minute when Agogo set up second-half substitute Matt Okoh for a goal. Okoh slid a pass to Agogo at the top of the box, and the speedy forward one-touched the ball back to Okoh. The Rapids forward ran clear into the box and ripped a shot past Causey to make it 4-2. The Rapids had gone up, 2-1, in the 51st minute, thanks to Gibson’s second goal. Spencer collected a pass from Jamaican international Chris Dawes down the right wing and sent a long cross to Gibson at the back post. Gibson’s goal beat Causey from eight yards out with a looping header. “It was good to get my first goal under my belt,” Gibson said. “It feels good playing alongside Spencer. We are working well. If we can keep it up, it will be great for Colorado.” William Sunsing tallied the first goal of the contest. After collecting a short corner from Mauricio Wright in the left side of the box, Sunsing deked a pair of Rapids defenders and blasted a shot into the upper part of the goal from a sharp angle. Colorado drew even two minutes later, after a quick buildup. Spencer sent a pass down the left wing for Wes Hart, who crossed for Gibson on the six yard line. An unmarked Gibson chipped the ball over Causey from in close to make it 1-1. New England used a host of guest players in the match, including former Colombian national team player Alveiro Usuriaga and Spaniard Conte. Spencer was making his first start for the Rapids. The former Scotland international had two goals in the Rapids’ Spring Training opener on Wednesday. Colorado opened the tournament with a 4-3 loss to Chicago. The Rapids will end their Spring Training run against Columbus on March 23. New England has now been outscored, 8-2, in Spring Training. The Revs will close their participation in the tournament against Chicago on March 22. March 17 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Colorado 4 New England 2. Goals: Gibson (Spencer, Hart) 22, Gibson (Spencer, Dawes) 52, Agogo (Kramer) 64, Okoh (Agogo) 80; Sunsing (Wright) 19, Beasley (Conte) 76. Colorado — David Kramer, Scott Vermillion, Chris Martinez, Steven Herdsman (Paul Bravo 64), Lance Key, Chris Dawes, Wes Hart (Jason Moore 84), Ross Paule, John Spencer (Geoff Aunger 84), Junior Agogo, Neathan Gibson (Matt Okoh 69). New England — Jeff Causey, Joe Franchino, Nick Downing, Mauricio Wright, Brian Dunseth, Adam Eyre (Nacho Conte 46), Carlos Parra (Shaun Tskaris 72), Fabio Zuniga (Wolde Harris 46), Jamar Beasley, William Sunsing, Alveiro Usuriaga (Eric Wynalda 46).
