Rapids: The Rapids have strung together five consecutive draws, tying the single-season MLS record with four other teams, but given their unusual run of injuries, staying unbeaten has been an achievement. “We gain one player and lose another,” coach Gary Smith said. . . . Conor Casey scored his first goal of the season last week against Sporting Kansas City. It was his fourth game back after missing six games with a hamstring injury, and his first complete game of the season. . . . Defender Drew Moor has played in 51 consecutive complete games for the Rapids, a streak exceeded only by former goalkeeper Joe Cannon (55) on the all-time Rapids list. Moor has played the full 90 minutes in 54 consecutive regular-season matches, including games played for FC Dallas in 2009, the longest current streak in MLS.
Union: Last year’s expansion team is leading the Eastern Conference with 20 points (6-3-2) despite having played fewer games (11) than its closest pursuers, New York (12) and Houston (13). The Union netted only six goals in its first nine games but scored two May 21 against Chicago and six last week at Toronto. . . . Former Rapids defender Jordan Harvey, claimed in last year’s expansion draft, has been starting for Philadelphia and scored his first MLS goal April 15 vs. Toronto FC. . . . Philadelphia will be without its leading scorer, Carlos Ruiz, who was called up by the Guatemalan national team for the Gold Cup.
Spotlight on Faryd Mondragon: The 39-year-old Colombian has been excellent in goal, giving up only nine goals in 11 games for a goals-against average of 0.82, third-best in the league. Last year’s starter, Chris Seitz, gave up 1.78 per game. Playing for FC Cologne last year, Mondragon broke the Bundesliga record for consecutive scoreless minutes (565). “He looks so comfortable and confident,” Rapids coach Gary Smith said. “He’s been a wonderful addition for them and has helped them enormously.”
