RAPIDS LOOK TO CONTINUE HOT PRE-SEASON AGAINST EXPANSION CHICAGO FIRE

DENVER (Friday, February 20, 1998) - The Colorado Rapids will put their 5-1 pre-season record on the line Saturday when they meet the Major League Soccer expansion Chicago Fire in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The match-up with the Fire will be the third game for the Rapids on a 10-day Mexican trip. Colorado won their first two games on the tour, defeating Tapatio 3-2 on Tuesday, before knocking off Universidad de Guadalajara 2-1 on Thursday.

Rapids general manager Dan Counce said he was very happy with the play of the team's new acquisitions, especially college draft choices Tyrone Marshall and Jason Boyce, as well as supplemental draft choice Marquis White (two goals in three pre-season games).

"Our overall goal in the off-season was to acquire speed and I am extremely happy with our results. Our new guys are not only showing them can move, but they can also put the ball in the net, something we definitely have a need for," said Counce.

Counce also said he was happy with the team's decision to stand pat and not make any trades at this point.

"We talked to some teams during the drafts, but looking back I think we made the right decision to play our cards. We're still looking to add some help from the international market, and hopefully that is on our horizon soon," said Counce.

WHAT:			Rapids vs. Chicago Fire
			Pre-season exhibition match
WHEN:			Saturday, February 21 - 4:00 pm MST
WHERE:			Guadalajara, Mexico
RAPIDS STARTERS:	Marcus Hahnemann, Sean Henderson, Peter Vermes,
			Chris Martinez, Andre Nunely, Joey DiGiamarino,
			Tahj Jakins, Ross Paule, Adrian Paz,
			Wolde Harris, Paul Bravo.