Sep 16, 2007, 23:22 GMT
Commerce City, CO - CD Chivas USA needed to hang on for 14 more minutes to clinch a spot in the Major League Soccer playoffs Sunday after a Sacha Kljestan goal early in the first half at Colorado. But the Rapids had other ideas, getting a late goal from Colin Clark to earn a point in the 1-1 draw at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
The point is huge for Colorado. which is now just a point out of the last playoff spot with five games remaining.
Chivas got the game's first goal against the run of play in the 13th minute when forward Laurent Merlin broke into the Rapids' penalty area and was brought down by defender Facundo Erpen. Referee Richard Heron awarded Chivas a penalty while also showing Erpen a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity.
Kljestan buried the PK for his fourth goal of the season, giving the Goats a clear advantage, playing up a goal with an extra man the rest of the match.
With the Rapids pushing for the equalizer late in the second half, lightning was seen near the stadium, causing the second delay of the game. The 45 minute break worked well for Colorado, who got the equalizer just five minutes after play resumed.
After generating a couple of goal scoring opportunities after the delay, the Rapids finally got a goal when Terry Cook played a long ball to Conor Casey on the right flank. The forward then drove to the top of the box and played a pass to Clark, who touched past the defense before he rushed into the box and chipped a shot over goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Chivas, which is unbeaten in seven league fixtures, can clinch a playoff spot Saturday when it hosts Kansas City while Colorado will be desperate for the full points at Real Salt Lake the same day.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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