Rapids beat Chivas to remain in playoff race

CARSON, Calif. -- Conor Casey's penalty kick goal in the final minutes kept the Colorado Rapids' playoff hopes alive as they held on to defeat Chivas USA 2-1 in a thrilling match at The Home Depot Center on Sunday afternoon.

Needing a victory in order to keep their hopes for a postseason appearance alive, the Rapids had seen a second-half penalty kick saved but took a lead in the 67th minute on a Colin Clark goal only to see Chivas USA's Jonathan Bornstein counter five minutes later.

Then, with five minutes remaining, Omar Cummings was tripped in the penalty area to set up a second penalty kick that Casey converted to keep the Rapids within reach of the MLS Cup Playoffs as they enter next week's winner-take-all match against rival Real Salt Lake at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Casey had the first scoring opportunity for either side in the 13th minute. After receiving the ball at the top of the Chivas USA penalty area off a give-and-go pass with Tom McManus, Casey lined up an open shot at goal but wasn't able to put the shot on frame as it sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

The Rapids threatened again minutes later. Nick LaBrocca sent a 20-yard free kick shot into the Chivas USA wall but the rebounding ball landed at the feet of Colin Clark, who struck a hard low shot on goal that forced Chivas USA 'keeper Dan Kennedy to the turf to make the save.

Later, Chivas USA coach Preki made his first move of the match in the 25th minute when Sasha Victorine was substituted out of the match in place of Sacha Kljestan.

The Rapids maintained the majority of possession for the remainder of the first half and the midfield was able to provide regular service to Casey deep in the Chivas USA third of the field. The Chivas USA backline duo of Shavar Thomas and Alex Zotinca, however, were able to stifle each opportunity generated by the Rapids.

The Rapids came out to play the second half looking like a team facing elimination.

Their increased sense of urgency nearly paid off in the 52nd minute. It was Casey again leading the charge as he controlled a pass inside the Chivas USA penalty area before rifling a shot that went just wide left of the goal.

Then, in the 56th minute it appeared that the Rapids would finally break through when referee Baldomero Toledo awarded the visitors a penalty kick after Zotinca knocked down Jordan Harvey inside the penalty area.

McManus stepped in to take the penalty kick but sent a soft, low shot towards the center of the goal that was smothered by Kennedy to preserve the scoreless tie.

Less than two minutes later McManus came off the field in favor of forward Omar Cummings.

The move paid off immediately. In the 67th minute, Cummings took a ball deep into the right side of the Chivas USA half and sent a perfect cross into the penalty area that was headed into the goal by Clark to put the Rapids ahead 1-0 and, more importantly, keep their playoff hopes alive.

Chivas USA, however, responded five minutes later when Bornstein knocked a loose ball inside the Rapids penalty area past Coundoul. A Dejair centering pass was knocked away by a falling Ugo Ihemelu, but Bornstein was there to drive the rebound high into the goal.

Just when it appeared that the Rapids were finished, another penalty kick was awarded, as this time Cummings was tripped up in the penalty area by Thomas. Casey took the ensuing kick, sending his low shot towards the right post, just outside of the reach of Kennedy, off the inside of the woodwork and into the goal, sending the Rapids players and bench into wild celebration.

With the win, the Rapids still must beat rival Real Salt Lake at home next Saturday in order to earn a spot in the playoffs. Chivas USA, meanwhile, close out the regular season next Saturday against the Houston Dynamo at The Home Depot Center in a meeting of the top two teams in the Western Conference.