RAPIDS FALL 2-0 AS MYERNICK TAKES LOOK AT DRAFTEES AND GUEST PLAYERS

Regulars Sit As Rapids Fall in Pre-Season Opener

FT. LAUDERDALE (Wednesday, February 9, 2000) - The Tampa Bay Mutiny defeated the Colorado Rapids, 2-0, on Wednesday night at Lockhart Stadium in the first game of the 2000 MLS Pre-Season Tournament.

Colorado fielded a team mainly consisting of draft picks and guest players in a night that Rapids Coach Glenn "Mooch" Myernick rested several starters, including Anders Limpar, Ross Paule, Joey DiGiamarino, Jason Bent and Paul Bravo. Additionally, goalkeeper Adin Brown did not play, as Myernick opted to take a look at David Kramer and Russell Payne.

"Pre-season games are a time to take a look at guys that you want to see react in a game situation," said Myernick. "While you always want a result, I am more concerned with taking a look at our new guys in game action. That said, I would have liked to see us create a few more chances, but it is early and we are just getting to know each other."

Tampa Bay scored a goal in each half, with Raul Diaz Arce opening the scoring in the 35th minute and Amos Magee padding the lead in the 49th minute.

Colorado's best chance of the game in the 64th minute when Kevin Anderson picked up a loose ball 25 yards out and unleashed a blast which drew a good, diving save from Andy Kirk to keep the Rapids off the board.

One minute later, Tampa Bay's Chris Houser nearly scored for the Rapids when he deflected a Lance Key cross past his own goalkeeper, but the ball slammed off the post and away to safety.

Tampa Bay would have stretched the margin to three in the 75th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick, but goalkeeper Russell Payne dove acrobatically to punch away Diaz Arce's effort.

RAPIDS LINE-UP:

David Kramer (Russell Payne), Alan Woods (Scott Vermillion), Marcelo Balboa, Chris Martinez (Seth Trembly), Jeff DiMaria (Lance Key), Kevin Anderson, Rodrigo Do Prado, Wes Hart, David Vaudreuil (Tahj Jakins), Edimilson Da Silva (Ricardo Zapata), Jorge Dely Valdes.

UP NEXT - TWO DAYS OF TRAINING BEFORE GAME VS. CHICAGO SUNDAY:

Following Wednesday's game, the Rapids return to training at Florida International University in Boca Raton for the next two days before facing the Chicago Fire on Sunday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m. (ET) at Lockhart Stadium. Colorado will train twice each day.

The date and opponent for the third pre-season game will be decided based on the results of the first two games, but will take place between February 16-18.

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