The Rapids took this week’s chapter of “Yeah Omar is that good” to the home of MLS-leading LA Galaxy. The results shouldn’t be more than mildly surprising. The Galaxy have been less than their dominant selves recently, while Colorado is peaking.

Edson Buddle scored 2 times, and both included a great deal of luck. The first opened the scoring 9 minutes in as his shot deflected off Drew Moor and wrong footed Matt Pickens. The second was a own goal deflection off his chest soon after that evened the score.

A classic run by Cummings, and the expected glorious ball across the 6 yard box was finished off by Casey to put the Rapids up 2-1 before half. Mullan nearly made it 3-1 with a fantastic strike off the post. This trend continued after half, and the Rapids and Cummings got a deserved goal.

The only surprise in the second half is that we didn’t get a fourth goal. To be fair, LA put together an excellent push in the last 10 minutes, but the Rapids were up to the task.

Gary Smith deserves major credit for creating and coalescing a squad that is well organized at the back, strong through its defensive midfield, and lethal up top. If he ever considers starting anyone other than Casey and Cummings up top however…throw a rubber chicken at him.

Oh and by the way…I know this guy who had a really long week at work, and was looking forward to the Rapids vs Galaxy at DSGP tonight. Humming Rapids songs as he drove up, he discovered that unfortunately tonight’s game was an away game. Showing up at an empty pitch…who does that, right?! (Cough, cough). Ahem.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Conor Casey, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Drew Moor, Gary Smith, L.A. Galaxy, Matt Pickens, Omar Cummings

In one of the finest displays of the rugged, physical play that defines Major League Soccer, the Rapids earned a much deserved 3 points. The Rapids looked rested and lively, putting together long stretches of possession and the crispest passing I’ve seen to date.

In the first half the Rapids were able to generate a couple good chances, including an open header for Cummings (8′) that he really should’ve buried. The Sounders also looked dangerous at times, including an incredible volley by Ianni that brought out the best in Pickens.

It was in the second half that the Rapids began to land more punches than they took. In the 63rd minute, Casey got his first goal in the run of play since September 12, 2009 (all 6 goals since have been PK’s).

Other observations

• Ljungberg assumed the fetal position throughout the game, and could be heard all the way up in the press box crying what sounded like “Mama…Mama…” Seriously it was ridiculous, and he earned a much deserved yellow card at 51′ for his verbal diarrhea
• Oh Ballouchy…jeez he looks great on a third of his passes, mediocre on a third, and a third are WTF
• I wouldn’t be surprised to see Clark back on the left mid in the next game or two. Wells is starting to disappear a little, as Craig de Aragon (@gcsblog) noted.
• A sold out crowd at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and the Rapids needed to put on a good show. Mission Accomplished.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Conor Casey, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Freddie Ljungberg, Seattle Sounders

If the real July 4th was an abject failure, July 4th “take 2″ was a stunning success tonight at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids completely dominated every aspect of the game and came away with a much needed 4-0 win. The Rapids organization capped off the night with a remarkable fireworks display, redeeming the 4th for loyal fans and returning visitors alike. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Bouna Coundoul, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Fecundo Diz, Jacob Peterson, Juan Pablo Angel, Julien Baudet, Mehdi Ballouchy, MLSnet.com, New York Red Bulls, Omar Cummings

“I’m not sure what you’re going to write about that,” quipped my wife after extra time had expired. For the past 4 days I haven’t known what to write. After coaxing 10 or so of my friends into joining the other 19k people at DSGP Saturday night, and sitting through one of the worst displays of soccer, and by far the worst July 4th fireworks display ever put on by the Rapids, I was sorely disappointed. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Colin Clark, Conor Casey, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, July 4th, Omar Cummings

Terry Cooke stepped onto the pitch in the 65th minute and bent a free kick in the net, a curling ball reminiscent of a more famous Englishman. After a massive mistake by Cory Gibbs led to a Wizards equalizer, Cooke sent a gorgeous outlet pass to Colin Clarke who hit a streaking Omar Cummings for the winning goal. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Colin Clark, Colorado Rapids, Conor Casey, Cory Gibbs, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Gary Smith, Kansas City Wizards, Kosuke Kimura, Matt Pickens, Nick LaBrocca, Omar Cummings, Terry Cooke, Ugo Ihemelu

Things looked bright when Omar Cummings pounded a mishandled ball from Chivas goalie Zach Thornton into the back of the net. However it was a shaky performance from the back four that let Colorado down. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Chivas USA, Colorado, Denver, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Kansas City Wizards, Major League Soccer, Omar Cummings, Sacha Kljestan

Tickets for home games at DSGP go on sale this coming Monday, February 23 at 10 am MT.

Head to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park Box Office, call 1-866-461-6556, use the kiosks at any Colorado Dick’s Sporting Goods location, or head to TicketHorse.com.

Rapids News and Analysis Dick's Sporting Goods Park

Rapids Media sent out this schedule today

Colorado Begin Preparation for 14th Season

COMMERCE CITY, COLO. (Monday, January 26, 2009) – The Colorado Rapids kickoff their preseason training sessions in advance of the 2009 MLS season this week with Wednesday, Jan. 28 marking the first day on the pitch. Read more…

Rapids News and Analysis 2009, Chivas USA, Commerce City, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Home Depot Center, Kansas City Wizards, MLS Season, Preseason