New Rapids coach to make debut

Pat Rooney, Special to the Rocky

Published August 22, 2008 at 7:42 p.m.

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Rapids at DC United

* When: 5:30 MDT tonight.

* Where: RFK Stadium, Washington

* Records: Rapids, 7-10-3; DC United, 9-10-1.

* TV/radio: Altitude; no radio.

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This will be the Rapids' first match with Gary Smith as head coach. Smith took over Wednesday on an interim basis after former coach Fernando Clavijo left to attend to family matters. Smith said he will likely use the same lineup tonight as he did during last week's win against Kansas City, meaning Preston Burpo will be in goal and Christian Gomez, acquired in a high-profile trade with United before the season, will be on the bench. Gomez had two assists in the Rapids' 2-0 victory at home against DC United on May 4.

* The Rapids are tied for fourth place in the Western Conference with 24 points, one point behind FC Dallas.

* Midfielder Pablo Mastroeni (United States), goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul (Senegal) and Omar Cummings (Jamaica) are expected to be available after playing for their respective national teams this week.

* Rapids defender Ugo Ihemelu will miss his second consecutive match because of the lingering effects of a concussion.

* DC United suffered a 2-1 loss against New England on Wednesday after winning three of its previous four matches.

* Luciano Emilio is fourth in the league in goals, and Jaime Moreno is tied for second in assists.

* Colorado plays at Real Salt Lake on Friday.

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