where they needed a point to secure their playoff lives -- the Rapids hadn't won in four games and hadn't scored more than a goal in a game since mid-July. But three times they came back from a goal down for the vital draw against Houston and clinched fourth place in the West. "The way we end the season makes you really think things can work," Clavijo said. ... And so, for the second year running, the Rapids will face FC Dallas in the first round, playing host to the first leg in Denver and traveling to Frisco for the return match. A year ago, the scoreless draw in the first leg set the stage for a dramatic 2-2 draw through extra time -- and subsequent penalty kick shootout victory to move into the conference championship. Clavijo says last year's experience will give his team an advantage. "We have a little bit of an edge," he said. "It's going to be a war, but I like it and I like our chances."
FC DALLAS UPDATE: The last two times Dallas reached the MLS Cup Playoffs, they were eliminated by ... the Colorado Rapids -- including in last season's conference semifinals. Just as last year, FC Dallas held home-field advantage, but were defeated on penalty kicks after being held to a 2-2 draw by a 10-man Rapids in the second leg. "They remember what happened and weren't very happy about it. It will definitely add an extra edge to the series," said Colin Clarke. "You never get over those. It's always in your mind. We felt we were the better team last year and deserved to get through, but it didn't happen. We've got to put that right. The good thing is that we have got an opportunity to put it right." ...The Hoops feel they are a better team a year later."I've said it since day one -- this team is a stronger squad and we have more depth," Simo Valakari said. "We have been together one more year and that has helped us with the team concept. We play better with one another because we know everyone better. It's a different team this year." ... There will likely be no changes to the 10 field players for Saturday's first leg, which means Abe Thompson will partner Carlos Ruiz in attack and Kenny Cooper will play a wide midfield role. "Kenny (Cooper) has had a great year and it's been well-documented. ... For a player to come in his first year back, he's done remarkable," Clarke said. "Abe in the last six or seven games he's played, has made a big difference for our team and to the way we play. It was great for him to get a goal over the weekend (against Los Angeles) and great for his confidence. Big games for some young kids, but I think they'll be able to cope with it." ... The only question could be in goal, where Dario Sala returned to full training after missing the final four games of the regular season to a calf injury. Shaka Hislop has been in goal as the Hoops have conceded 10 goals in that stretch.
