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Colorado (0-0-0) at Chivas USA (0-0-0), 10:30 p.m.

Carson, CA (Sports Network) - The Colorado Rapids travel to Chivas USA as the two Major League Soccer Western Conference clubs open their respective 2010 seasons at The Home Depot Center on Friday night.

The Rapids were actually in the news on Thursday, swinging a trade with Toronto FC for speedy fullback Marvell Wynne.

"Marvell is a great athlete and we wish him all the best," Toronto coach Preki said of his former player. "He's been a big part of this club and I'm sure he will be missed by the fans."

Wynne will join the Rapids in Los Angeles ahead of the match against the Goats, but it is unclear if he will play. He will have to compete with the likes of Kosuke Kimura, Drew Moor, Oscar Murillo, Julien Baudet, Danny Earls, Mike Holody and Rob Valentino, among others, for playing time.

"I think the aim for that back four this year is to be more frugal with opportunities and to defend dead ball situations more admirably then we did last year," Colorado coach Gary Smith told The Sports Network.

On the other end of the field, the Rapids are hoping that the strike pair of Conor Casey - who is nursing a knock - and Omar Cummings, who combined for 24 goals and 13 assists in 2009, will be at the forefront when the team starts the season on the road.

"I think if we get anywhere close to last year's form, with Conor's ability in front of goal, that we will have had a very good year," Smith said. "What I hope is that their relationship continues to blossom and we can see the fruits of that yet again. The front two were excellent last year so to keep them fit and working together, that has to be key for us, so fingers crossed on that one."

Chivas USA will be aiming to get off to a fast start as well in new head coach Martin Vasquez' first game. One of the league's lowest scoring teams a year ago, Vasquez brought in 23-year-old attacking midfielder Osael Romero in the offseason.

"Osael is an exciting young player that has proven to be consistent with those qualities and that's what we expect," Vasquez told the team website. "He's going to really help us with that aspect of the game."

The Goats will probably be without midfielder Ben Zemanski in the game because of an abdominal strain, while forward Maicon Santos is questionable and reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Zach Thornton is probable, both with niggling injuries.

The Rapids will be without midfielder Ciaran O'Brien and forward Ross Schunk, while defender Julien Baudet is questionable and Casey is probable.