REMAINDER OF MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SEASON CANCELLED BY COMMISSIONER

League Playoffs to Start Next Week;
Rapids to Observe National Day of Mourning on Friday

DENVER (Thursday, September 13, 2001) - The remainder of the 2001 Major League Soccer schedule has been cancelled, it was announced today by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

Garber issued the following statement regarding the remainder of the league's regular season:
"Major League Soccer shares the grief of the nation at Tuesday's appalling tragedy. As we all mourn, MLS believes it is appropriate to take some time to acknowledge the nation's loss and honor the victims and heroes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been affected."

"MLS has decided to cancel the six remaining games of the league's regular season. In addition, the previously postponed four regular season games will not be rescheduled."

The Rapids had been scheduled to meet the Columbus Crew at Invesco Field on Wednesday, September 12 and the Kansas City Wizards at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sunday, September 16.

In addition to the cancellation of the final two regular season matches, the Rapids will join the other eleven Major League Soccer teams in observing a National Day of Mourning on Friday. No practices or team events will be held on Friday.

The MLS Cup Playoffs will begin Thursday, September 20. The Rapids did not qualify for the playoffs and finish the 2001 season with a 5-13-8 record.

"The entire Colorado Rapids organization offers its thoughts and prayers to the victims of Tuesday's tragedy, and we are in full support of the commissioner's decision," Rapids General Manager Dan Counce commented. "In light of the enormity of the situation, we feel it is only just that we honor the memory of the victims and pay homage to the incredible work being done by the rescue workers by canceling the final games of the season."

The Rapids organization has joined the effort to help relieve the thousands of heroic workers who continue the rescue mission at the disaster sites in New York. Earlier on Thursday the team shipped boxes of shirts and socks to the rescue workers at the World Trade Center through the American Red Cross. Plans for a benefit match involving the Rapids, with proceeds earmarked for victims and rescue workers, are being discussed at this time.

The Colorado Rapids and Major League Soccer will release further information regarding ticket refunds in the coming days. Check www.coloradorapids.com and your local news outlets for information as it becomes available.

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