The Rapids started out strong when Richard Sharpe scored the team's first goal only 27 seconds into the game after receiving a through pass from Rapids' first-round pick Jean Harbor. The Clash tied in minute 14 when Tim Martin connected with Paul Bravo for a 20-yard goal. Felipe Rodriguez, who will work the Rapids' left wing this season, delivered a penalty kick to defender Steve Trittschuh, who headed it to the near post for a 2-1 lead after only 19 minutes of play.

The Rapids appeared headed for a 2-1 regulation win before, a controversial penalty kick was called on Denis Hamlett, after U.S. National Team star forward Eric Wynalda was tripped inside the Clash penalty box. Wynalda connected on the penalty kick to force the game into the Rapids' third-consecutive overtime shootout in preseason play.

The Rapids, who earlier this week defeated Los Angeles and Washington D.C. in shootouts, were again victorious, 3-2. Chris Henderson, Dominic Kinnear and Scott Benedetti all connected for Colorado, and Rapids goalkeeper Dusty Hudock had strong saves against Wynalda and Eddie Lewis. In the Clash's fifth and final attempt, John Doyle sent the ball over the top of the goal and the Rapids claimed their third victory.

For Head Coach Bob Houghton, the win was the perfect end to his two-week training camp. "This last game was tough after three games in seven days," said Houghton. "It's really nice to come away from camp undefeated."

Houghton credited many of his players for their contributions to today's win, including Rodriguez, Henderson and midfielder Mike Gentile.

"I am pleased they've done so well without several of our allocated players," said Houghton, who played all the games without forward Roy Wegerle (knee -- 2 weeks) and U.S. National Team captain Marcelo Balboa (with Mexican club Leon), and had the services of South African forward Shaun Bartlett for just one game (sprained ankle -- 3 days). "With all of them gone, it's been great for the others to see they can still get good results."

With only 20 days left until the team's first game, Houghton plans on concentrating on running, game tactics and team organization in the weeks ahead. The Rapids will adjust to the altitude in the Mile High City, and prepare for opening day April 13 in Kansas City.

The team returns home tomorrow to resume training at Westminster City Park, the team's official training site. Dedication ceremonies for the training facility are planned for Wednesday, March 27, at 4 p.m. Media and members of the public are encouraged to attend.

The Rapids will host their first game at Mile High Stadium on April 21, when they host the Dallas Burn. For season ticket information call 303/299-1599.

GAME SUMMARY
Colorado Rapids vs. San Jose Clash
Preseason Exhibition Match
Saturday, March 23 - Del Marco Polo Grounds
Kickoff: 11:30 a.m. MT

		1	2	FINAL	(SHOOTOUT)
San Jose Clash	1	1	2	    (2)
Colorado Rapids	2	0	2	    (3)


Scoring:
RAPIDS         Sharpe (Harbor)               1st minute
CLASH          Bravo (Martin)                14
RAPIDS         Trittschuh (Rodriguez)        19
CLASH          Wynalda (Penalty kick)        78

SHOOTOUT
Colorado                      San Jose
1. Henderson (Goal)           1. Wynalda (Saved)
2. Harbor (Saved)             2. Iroha (Goal)
3. Kinnear (Goal)             3. Bravo (Goal)
4. Benedetti (Goal)           4. Lewis (Saved)
5. Rodriguez (Saved)          5. Doyle (Over top)