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USA and Mexico to battle in World Cup Tune Up at Invesco Field on April 3Biggest Soccer Game in Colorado History to Follow Rapids-D.C. United Clash;
The Colorado Rapid of Major League Soccer, the Anschutz Entertainment Group and the United States Soccer Federation have announced plans for a major international soccer doubleheader at INVESCO field at Mile High on April 3 featuring the U.S. National Team against Mexico and the Colorado Rapids against D.C. United. The Rapids game against D.C. United will kick off at 5:30 p.m. MT followed by the USA game match against Mexico, which will begin at 8:00 p.m. MT. The match will mark the first time an international soccer match will be played at the new stadium, and the first visit by the United States team to Denver for a full international match since 1992, when USA fell to Scotland at Mile High Stadium on May 15. "The USA game against Mexico will cap off an incredible week of soccer at INVESCO field, and we are proud to be able to bring our fans such an important game between two heated rivals," said Rapids General Manager Dan Counce. Mexico and the United States will represent the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) region at the upcoming World Cup, which will be played in June in Korea and Japan. The United States are drawn into a group with Portugal, Poland and co-hosts Korea, while Mexico will square off against Ecuador, Italy and Croatia in group play. Mexico, currently ranked 8th in the FIFA world rankings, and the United States, who hold the 13th spot in the rankings, are expected to bring full-strength squads to Denver for the match as the final preparations for the World Cup wind down. The United States will meet its biggest rival for the first time since July 1, 201, when over 110,000 fans saw the Mexican squad escape with a 1-0 victory in a World Cup qualifying match at the famed Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The two nations have met 45 times in international competitions, where Mexico holds a commanding 28-8-9 lead in all-time series, outscoring the Americans 109-49. Despite the disparity in the series, the United States has been the better team over the last two years, winning three of the four contests by a combined score of 7-1.
Tickets for the doubleheader can be purchased for $25 for South Plaza Level seats, $35 for seats in the lower bowl and North Club Level, and $45 for VIP Midfield and Luxury Club Level seating. The USA match against Mexico, which will be shown live to a national television audience on the Telemundo network, will be blacked out from broadcast in Colorado. The Rapids made a schedule switch in order to accommodate the game, moving the game against D.C. United, originally scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, forward to April 3. "This will be a unique experience for Colorado soccer fans to see many of the world's best players - both men and women - playing at one of the newest and most exciting venues in the country within a single week," Counce continued. The Rapids will kick off the home portion of the MLS regular season schedule with another doubleheader on March 30, when the WUSA champion San Jose CyberRays meet the Washington Freedom at INVESCO field before the Rapids take on defending MLS champion San Jose Earthquakes at 7:00 p.m. 2002 Single Game Tickets on Sale Saturday at Noon: Individual game tickets for Colorado Rapids 2002 games at INVESCO field at mile High, including the USA v. Mexico doubleheader and the home opener doubleheader, will go on sale to the public at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, at the INVESCO field box office, and at all Denver area Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. The INVESCO Field Ticket Office will be open Saturday March 2, from 12:00-4:00 p.m., and Monday--Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Rapids will host of variety of special events this season, including the annual fireworks extravaganza on July 4, Carlos Valderrama Bobblehead Night on April 13, Jersey Night on May 11, and Soccer Ball Night on September 21. For more information, group purchases or season tickets, fans should call the Rapids at 303-299-1599.
Sat. March 30 San Jose 7:00pm Wed. April 3 DC United 5:30pm Sat. April 13 Metrostars 7:00pm Sat. May 11 K.C. Wizards 7:00pm Wed. May 22 N.E. Revolution 7:00pm Sat. June 1 L.A. Galaxy 7:00pm Sat. June 15 N.E. Revolution 2:00pm Thu. July 4 Chicago Fire 7:00pm Sat. July 13 L.A. Galaxy 7:00pm Sat. July 27 Dallas Burn 7:00pm Sat. Aug. 10 Columbus Crew 7:00pm Sat. Aug. 24 S.J.Earthquakes 2:00pm Sun. Sept. 1 Dallas Burn 7:00pm Sat. Sept. 21 K.C. Wizards 7:00pm |
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Tickets for All 2002 Home Games on Sale Saturday at Noon.
The Rapids have several players who could make an appearance in a USA uniform against Mexico, including Pablo Mastroeni and Chris Henderson. Mastroeni was named to the USA roster for this weekend's game against Honduras in Seattle after helping to lead the United States to its recent Gold Cup victory with a superb defensive effort that allowed just one goal in six games. Henderson, who has represented the USA on 79 occasions, last played against Mexico on October 25, 2000, in a 2-0 American win at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
Colorado Rapids Home 2002 Schedule
