COLORADO RAPIDS WEEKLY REPORT
Tuesday, November 13, 2001

CARLOS VALDERRAMA JOINS WORLD SUPERSTARS IN MARADONA TRIBUTE MATCH

Last Saturday, Colombian legend and Rapids midfielder Carlos Valderrama participated in a tribute game for one of the world's all-time greats, Argentine star Diego Maradona. Valderrama was personally invited by Maradona to play in the game, which showcased the legends of past and present from around the world. Maradona played alongside the Argentina National Team in a match against a selection of World All-Stars.

"Few times in my life have I enjoyed myself as much as I did in the tribute to Diego," said Valderrama in an Argentine newspaper Saturday. "Everything I saw made me feel closer to Diego, and I am eternally grateful to him for letting me participate in this spectacular tribute."

Playing with Argentina's current national squad and wearing the No. 10 jersey, Maradona scored two goals as his team beat the World All-Stars, 6-3, at Boca Juniors' Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Among the big names taking part were two other MLS stars, Chicago Fire's Hristo Stoitchkov (Bulgaria) and Los Angeles Galaxy's Luis Hernandez (Mexico), as well as legends Lothar Matthaus (Germany), Eric Cantona (France), and Rene Higuita (Columbia).

RAPIDS HOLD ANNUAL JERSEY AUCTION FUND-RAISER ON WEBSITE

The Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation (CRCCF) is set to hold its second annual on-line jersey auction as a fund-raiser for the end of the 2001 year. The auction, which raised $7,500 last year, will feature authentic player game jerseys from the Colorado Rapids and other Major League Soccer teams as well as selected WUSA teams. Several autographed jerseys will also be available during this unique, one-time opportunity. This year's event begins Friday, November 16 at 8 a.m. and runs through Friday, December 7th at 5 p.m., with all proceeds from the event going to support the CRCCF. For more information regarding the event and the CRCCF, which strives to promote and encourage underprivileged children to participate in activities, such as soccer, as a means to build character, improve self-esteem, and to develop interpersonal and leadership skills, call Annie Vinton at (303) 299-1575.

ACT FAST TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 2001 PRICES

As an incentive to 2001 season-ticket holders, the Rapids will be running an early-bird renewal offer to fans wishing to renew their tickets into the 2002 season. All it takes is a $50 deposit by Thursday, November 15, to guarantee tickets for the 2002 season at 2001 prices. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of family-friendly prices as the seventh Major League Soccer season approaches. Children age 6-16 will receive a half-priced season ticket, and children under 5 are free with the purchase of an adult season ticket. Full and half-season packages are also available. For tickets or more information, call the Rapids ticket line at (303) 299-1599.

DENVER SCORES "FALL FRENZY" FESTIVAL A SUCCESS

On Saturday, November 10, the Denver Scores organization, in partnership with the Colorado Rapids, hosted its annual Fall Frenzy festival at Sloans Lake in Edgewater. The festival, an annual youth soccer tournament for area Denver Scores schools, featured one of the most recent beneficiaries of the Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation - Fairview Elementary School. Rapids forward Raul Diaz Arce made a guest appearance at the event, signing autographs, meeting players and their families, and passing out Rapids-donated prizes for the winners.

CHRIS CARRIERI AND SETH TREMBLY COMPLETE ENGLAND TOUR WITH NIKE PROJECT-40

Rapids forward Chris Carrieri and midfielder Seth Trembly have arrived home after completing a three-game exhibition tour against top clubs of the English Professional Leagues as members of Nike's Project-40 (P-40). A joint venture between Major League Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation, Project-40 is designed to enhance and accelerate the development of America's top young soccer players. The whirlwind trip began on October 30 with a 0-6 loss to the well-stocked reserve side of English Premier League giant, Manchester United, followed by an impressive win 3-1 over Nottingham Forest on November 1. In the third and final game, played on November 6, the P-40 squad dropped a 0-1 decision to first division side Crew Alexandria, who cooperatively share its players with perennial powerhouse Liverpool of the English Premier League. Glenn "Mooch" Myernick, who acted as head coach for the Rapids from 1997-2000, now serves as head coach for the P-40 squad.

RAPIDS PLAYERS "TIE THE KNOT" IN THE OFFSEASON

Rapids defenders Ritchie Kotschau and Lance Key have kept themselves very busy in the offseason by getting married in recent weeks. On October 27, Key married his fiance Lisa in El Paso, Texas. The wedding was attended by Rapids midfield/defender Steve Shak and head trainer Theron Enns. Last Saturday, November 10, Kotschau married his fiance Meredith in Tampa, Florida. Goalkeeper Scott Garlick attended as a guest.

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