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KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- Tony Meola continued his spectacular season with his first career playoff shutout as the Kansas City Wizards edged the Colorado Rapids, 1-0. Meola was making his sixth career postseason start after recording a record-breaking 16 shutouts during the regular season. Kansas City was able to field its regular lineup, a unit that has posted a 9-1-1 record this year. Danish striker Miklos Molnar scored the game's lone goal in the first half, and the stingy Wizards' defense bunkered to protect Meola's clean sheet. Molnar scored his fourth goal in as many games since returning from injury, heading the ball past goalkeeper David Kramer in the 18th minute. Midfielder Preki, who has registered a point in seven of the Wizards' eight postseason appearances, started the play with free kick from 22 yards. With his back to the goal, Molnar nodded the ball over Kramer from eight yards. Veteran Wizards midfielder Mo Johnston was ejected in stoppage time after picking up his second yellow card. Colorado came within inches of sending the match to overtime. Paul Bravo took a shot from outside the box, directing the ball through a maze of legs in front of the net. Second-half substitute Junior Agogo, making his first appearance for the Rapids since coming off injured reserve, redirected the shot to the far goalpost, where Meola made a spectacular diving save. Game Two is Wednesday at Mile High Stadium, where the Rapids were 8-5-3 during the season.
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