RAPIDS LOOK TO CONTINUE HOT START THURSDAY IN MEXICO VERSUS UNIVERSIDAD DE GUADALAJARA

DENVER (Wednesday, February 18, 1998) - The Colorado Rapids will aim for their fifth win in six pre-season games when they face Universidad de Guadalajara Wednesday in Mexico. The Rapids (4-1 in pre-season) are playing their second game on a 10-day Mexican tour that will see them play four games against Mexican clubs. An exhibition is also scheduled in Guadalajara against the MLS expansion Chicago Fire.

The Rapids opened the trip by defeating Tapatio 3-2 on Tuesday on defender Tayt Ianni's last-minute goal. Colorado had previously defeated Columbus, D.C. United and the A-League Jacksonville Cyclones, while losing only to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

RAPIDLY MULTIPLYING - LITTLE BALBOA BORN: Three days after Rapids captain Steve Trittschuh and wife Suzanne had their first child - a baby girl -- Rapids defender Marcelo Balboa and wife Cindi gave birth to their first on Wednesday. Nicholas Marcelo Balboa, 8lbs., 9 oz., was born Tuesday night at 2:20 am in Denver. Sunday, the Trittschuh's gave birth to 8lb., 5 oz., Aspen Taylor.

Thurs. 2/19	Rapids vs. Univ. de Guad.	10 am MST	Guadalajara
Sat. 2/21	Rapids vs. Chicago Fire		2 pm MST	Guadalajara
Tues. 2/24	Rapids vs. Tecos		10 am MST	Guadalajara
Wed. 2/25	Rapids vs. Jalisco		10 am MST	Guadalajara
Thurs. 2/26	Rapids return to Denver - team in town but off 
		until Monday, 3/2
Mon. 3/2	Press conference introducing Rapids rookies - 
		in Denver, time TBD

WHAT:		Rapids vs. Universidad de Guadalajara
				Pre-season exhibition
WHEN:		Thursday, February 19, 1998
				10:00 am MST
WHERE:		Guadalajara, Mexico