RAPIDS TRIM ROSTER TO 22 WITH RELEASING OF SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT PICKS CENGARLE AND IANNI

DENVER (Monday, March 2, 1998) - The Colorado Rapids released 1998 supplemental draft selections Julio Cengarle and Tayt lanni. By doing so, the Rapids trimmed their roster down to the league-mandated 22-player limit by March 1.

Cengarle, a midfielder, was the Rapids' second selection in the 1998 Supplemental Draft (11th overall), while lanni, a defender, was chosen with the Rapids' third and final selection (35th overall).

U.S. National Team members Marcelo Balboa and Chris Henderson have returned to the Rapids following an extended period with the U.S. Team. The duo retums to camp following the USA's outstanding Gold Cup showing, which included a shocking 1-0 victory over Brazil and the team advancing to the finals against Mexico. Both players were also with the team as they suffered back-to-back exhibition losses to Holland and Belgium.

The Rapids (6-2-1 in pre-season play) depart Friday for Florida for their three final pre- season games. Colorado will face the A-League Nashville Metros and the USISL Division Three Pensacola Barracudas in Florida. before traveling to New Orleans for a final pre-season tune-up against the A-League New Orleans Storm.

Colorado opens the regular season on March 21 at the Cotton Bowl against the Dallas Bum, whom the rapids swept in the 1997 Westem Conference Finals. The Rapids then travel to San Jose one week later to take on the Clash, before returning home April 4 for the 1998 home opener against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Mile High Stadium.