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DENVER (October 15,1996) -- While their temmates on the Colorado Rapids enjoy some time off at the end of a long season, Jean Harbor and Scott Benedetti just keep on going -- traveling with the United States National Team to Lima, Peru to represent the U.S. in an exhibition rnatch tomorrow -- kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. MDT.
"I am honored to have been chosen to represent our country in Peru," said Rapids midfielder/forward Scott Benedetti. "As we head into 1997 and preparations for the 1998 World Cup in France, there will be important qualifying matches for the National Team. These exhibitions are an excellent precursor to the 'real thing'."
Both Benedetti and Harbor had notable seasons with the Rapids. Harbor was the team's leading scorer with 11 goals, ranking him tied with Columbus' Pete Marino for 13th place in overall league standings. This will be Harbor's 15th appearance for the National Team -- he last appeared on June 22, 1993 when the U.S. tied Venezuela in Ecuador, 3-3.
Benedetti, nicknamed "Mr. Versatility" by his teammates and coaches, proved his ability to play both a midfield and forward attacking position in the Rapids' first season. He played in all but one game of the inaugural season, tallying three goals and five assists.
The Rapids finished their season last Sunday, with a loss to the A-League's Rochester Rhinos in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal. Plans are currently in the works for the Rapids to head to Seattle, Wash., to play in a tournament with A-League champion Seattle Sounders and two Mexican teams. Details on the trip are expected to be released next week.
Major League Soccer caps off its season this Sunday with MLS Cup '96, which will be held at Foxboro Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. Eastern Conference champion Washington D.C. United will take on the West's best Los Angeles Galaxy -- kickoff is at 2:00 p.m. MDT. The game will be aired nationally on ABC Sports (local channel 7, KMGH-TV).