Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan entered Wednesday’s game at D.C. United looking for his first goal of the season, but his two assists in the club’s May 6 shutout at FC Dallas underlined why Colorado re-signed the former Regis Jesuit High School star to a multiyear contract in December.
Mullan had only three assists in 10 games before the United game, but his veteran presence has been key. Playing for his fourth Major League Soccer team, and in his third year with the Rapids, Mullan advanced to the postseason in each of his 12 previous seasons and is an MLS Cup champion with Los Angeles (2002), San Jose (2003), Houston (2006, 2007) and Colorado (2010).
His one career goal with the Rapids indicates his goal-scoring ability has waned, but his three assists already have tied or exceeded what he amassed in six seasons. Before Wednesday, he had 27 goals and 52 assists in his 289-game career.
Mullan was the 1996 and 1997 Colorado high school player of the year. He produced what turned into a Creighton Athletics Hall of Fame career after producing 36 goals in 88 NCAA games, including the 2000 College Cup championship loss to Connecticut in his final college game.
Back on board. Conor Casey returned to the starting lineup Wednesday night, teaming with Tony Cascio at forward. Casey had made two substitute appearances in the last three games, including 45 minutes at Dallas. Kamani Hill had been starting in his spot.
“Conor brings something distinct to the team and is the most natural center striker we have,” Rapids coach Oscar Pareja said in a team-issued news release. “He’s smart and creates danger, so he brings interesting things to the team.”
Said Casey, who has 48 goals in 103 career games with Colorado: “It’s been a challenge to integrate a lot of guys in the new (attack) with the movements, but every day we’re trying to improve. We still have a lot of work to do.”
Footnotes. Rapids newcomers Edu and Harrison Henao traveled with the team to D.C. … Without having to produce a save May 6, Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens made his club-record 26th shutout, surpassing Joe Cannon (2003-06). … Rapids Academy midfielder Dillon Serna of Brighton was named to the United States Under-18 National Team roster for the Lisbon (Portugal) International Tournament, from May 23-26. Real Colorado Academy goalkeeper Ethan Horvath is also on the team.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
