last on Sept. 2 (going 0-2-3 in their final five away matches). Both road victories came by 1-0 scorelines -- which would guarantee only a penalty kick shootout in the second leg. The Rapids also haven't won in Dallas since May 2001 (12 meetings in all competitions), and haven't won by two goals there since July 1999. Still, said midfielder Pablo Mastroeni to the Denver Post: "I'll give it to you in very plain, simple English, and that is quit thinking and just play. That's it. No thought, just go out there and play, end of story. There's no theme, there's no rhyme, there's no motivation, there's nothing - just go out and play. I could be articulate about it if you want. We've been articulate all year, and it hasn't gotten us anywhere." ... The Rapids must also find a way to stop an FC Dallas attack that scored 28 goals at home (third-most in MLS) while also posting the best home record over the regular season. "We've had the worst defense in (MLS) this year, and you want to say it's not reflective of who we are, but I think it is," goalkeeper Joe Cannon said to the Post. "Those mistakes are things that we've made all year long. It's just disappointing and frustrating because I feel the potential of the group is so much better." ... Rapids boss Fernando Clavijo could have some injury concerns. Terry Cooke, the league's assist leader, is out for the second leg with a groin injury, and while Jacob Peterson is expected to be ready in the other wide midfield role, he has been slowed by a thigh injury. Central defender Aitor Karanka was forced from the field after just 28 minutes with a hamstring injury, but Clavijo will have Mike Petke back from a first-leg suspension. Right back Dan Gargan has also been slowed by a knock suffered in the first game. Chris Wingert came in for Karanka in the first leg and could reprise that role; along with Hunter Freeman and Eric Denton, Wingert is a candidate to play as fullback if Gargan cannot play.
