RAPIDS 2-0 IN PRESEASON AFTER SHOOTOUT VICTORY OVER D.C. UNITED

With their second win this week, the Rapids showed the strength of their backup players in tonight's game. Playing without any of their four marquee starters -- Dominic Kinnear (flu, day-to-day), Shaun Bartlett (sprained ankle, 3-6 days), Roy Wegerle (knee rehabilitation, two weeks), Marcelo Balboa (in Mexico with Leon) -- the team outshot the D.C. United 9-3. Soccer experts have targeted the United as the early favorite for the MLS Championship title.

Head Coach Bob Houghton had nothing but praise for his squad. "Although these are still training games for us, it is terrific to be doing so well," said Houghton. "We are really working the front players hard in the training sessions, and they are still able to perform exceptionally well in the games."

With the score tied at 0-0 at the end of regulation play, the Rapids needed only four of their five shootout attempts to claim victory over the United. Three saves by goalkeeper Dusty Hudock, combined with successful shots by Chris Henderson, Jean Harbor, and Scott Benedetti left the Rapids with a 3-1 shootout win.

Houghton praised Hudock, Denis Hamlett, Troy Edwards and Mike Gentile for their fine performance on the field. Gentile, a current member of the U.S. Olympic Team, was a late sub for Dominic Kinnear.

Another player of note in tonight's game was Chris Henderson, the Rapids' most recent "discovery" signee. Henderson, a former member of the U.S. National team, ranks seventh on the all-time appearance list with 73.

"Henderson has been a real bonus for us," said Houghton. "He has had two very fine matches at two different positions."

The Rapids will face the San Jose Clash in their third and final preseason exhibition game this Saturday, March 23 at 11:30am MDT. Two roster cuts will be made on Sunday, with the squad being cut to 18 players by April 15.

The team will resume training in Colorado on Wednesday, March 27 at the official training site at Wetminster City Park. Media and the public are invited to attend a special dedication for the site on March 27 at 4:00pm.