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First-place Rapids host Chivas USA

Fri 23rd, May 2008

Commerce City, CO (Sports Network) - The Colorado Rapids will try to hold onto the top spot in the Western Conference on Saturday when they welcome Chivas USA to Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

The Rapids have won their last two games and lead the second-place Los Angeles Galaxy by one point, while Chivas snapped a five-game winless skid by recording its first ever comeback win in beating D.C. United last week.

Preki's side fell behind 1-0 but rallied to scored three goals in the final 10 minutes, a win that the coach hopes will help the team turn the corner.

"We showed that even with the young guys we threw on the field that nobody is quitting, that everybody is committed," Preki said. "I think (Saturday's win) should be a tremendous confidence booster for the whole group."

The reason why Preki has had to use so many young players this early in the year is because his side has already accumulated a lengthy injury list, especially in the back.

Jonathan Bornstein and Lawson Vaughn are out until late June with injuries, while Claudio Suarez and Shavar Thomas both missed the team's last game because of hamstring problems.

Suarez and Thomas are both questionable for Saturday's game, but goalkeeper Brad Guzan knows that this will give other players a chance to step up, even if it means that they are playing an unfamiliar position.

"At this point with the injuries we have, guys have to step up, Guzan said. "Guys have to play out of position and do what's best for the team. We're doing that and luckily it has paid off."

One of those players making an adjustment is midfielder Jesse Marsch, who was installed as a central defender for last week's game.

"To be honest, I wasn't that thrilled about it but at this point we are so depleted I just wanted to do whatever I could to help the team win," said Marsch. "If Preki felt that was our best option then I was willing to do that."

The Goats will hope to get some help in the back if Suarez and Thomas are able to play, because they will have their hands full with the Rapids, who have scored 13 goals in eight games this season.

Omar Cummings leads the team with three goals, while Christian Gomez has brought his playmaking ability from the nation's capital with two goals and four assists in the midfield.

The Rapids also are coming off of a second-half surge that helped them earn three points.

Cummings and Gomez scored goals in the final 25 minutes to help the Rapids beat Real Salt Lake, 2-0, and they will be hoping to get a crack at a depleted Chivas back line on Saturday.

Colorado should have a good chance to pick a third straight win before the club hosts FC Dallas next week, while Chivas is looking to pick up momentum heading into a home match with Eastern Conference leaders Columbus.

Sacha Kljestan has been great for Chivas this year, scoring four goals to go along with three assists, but he will need some help on Saturday if Chivas is to head back to California with a win.

Where the players come to play and STAY.