Chung's goal, assist lead Rapids

DENVER (Ticker) - Midfielder Mark Chung contributed a goal and an assist and Chris Carrieri scored the eventual game-winner early in the first half as the Colorado Rapids blanked the San Jose Earthquakes, 3-0.

Carrieri netted his 10th goal of the season in the eighth minute, blistering a half-volley that past goalkeeper Joe Cannon.

Carlos Valderrama, starting his MLS-record 171st consecutive game, booted an early ball from midfield over the San Jose defense into space near the edge of the box. Carrieri ran onto it and ripped a low, one-touch shot past Cannon for the opening goal.

The Earthquakes moved the ball through midfield well but were unable to connect on the final pass. Manny Lagos had the best chance for San Jose in the 22nd minute, a sharp-angle shot from close range that `keeper David Kramer parried away.

A trio of shots hit the woodwork in the second half. Mark Chung's 55th-minute free kick prompted a diving save by Cannon, who watched as Chung pounded the rebound off the crossbar. Ten minutes later, Ariel Graziani saw his chance at the equalizer ricochet off the near post, while Valderrama sent a shot off the upper corner of the goal.

Rapids rookie Zach Kingsley notched his second career goal in the 67th minute, nodding away a perfectly placed outswinging corner kick by Chung. Kingsley found room in the box and connected well, redirecting the ball to the far post and out of Cannon's reach.

Colorado added a third goal in stoppage time after Cannon was ejected for taking down Seth Trembly on a breakaway. Chung stepped to the spot and easily put the conversion past backup `keeper Jon Conway to ice the game.

San Jose's Joe Cannon picked up a red card and will not be available to play in the Earthquakes' next match against D.C. United.

San Jose (13-8-3) remains atop the MLS standings and is the only team having secured a playoff berth. The loss was their fifth straight on the road.

Colorado (11-10-3) is one point behind third-place Dallas in the Western Conference.

 

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