Sat Apr 5 20:02:21 2008

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Sealy's late magic lifts K.C. over Colorado

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Kansas City, KS (Sports Network) - Substitute Scott Sealy capped a five-goal second half with the game-winner in the 87th minute, leading the Kansas City Wizards to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday in Major League Soccer.

Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad had consecutive goals in a two-minute span early in the second half, but the Rapids answered with goals from Jose Burciaga Jr. and John DiRaimondo in the next 14 minutes.

Sealy, who entered the match in the 71st minute, scored the winner from just a few yards out to help Kansas City win its second straight at CommunityAmerica Ballpark to open the season.

Kansas City (2-0-0) had the only good scoring chances in the first half, shots from Ivan Trujillo and Jack Jewsbury that were both stopped by Colorado goalie Bouna Coundoul.

Colorado (1-1-0), which defeated Los Angeles 4-0 in its opener, had its first good scoring chance two minutes into the second half, but Colin Clark's shot was knocked down by K.C. goalie Kevin Hartman.

The Wizards didn't miss their next chance, when Conrad headed a free kick from Carlos Marinelli into the back of the net in the 54th for his first goal since 2006.

Just two minutes later, Marinelli and Conrad combined for the second goal on a play almost identical to the first goal. Marinelli swung another ball in from the right, this time off a corner, and Conrad ran onto the pass and headed the ball into the net.

Colorado didn't waste any time getting back in the match, cutting the deficit in half on a goal in the 57th by Burciaga Jr., who played his first six years in MLS with Kansas City.

The Rapids tied the match in the 68th when Omar Cummings' corner kick bounced away from a few players in the penalty area before DiRaimondo blasted the ball into the net.

Sealy made his presence known as soon as he came into the game, nearly scoring in the 73rd minute when he got around Coundoul but had his shot saved off the line by Stephen Keel.

Sealy, who was second on the team last year behind departed Eddie Johnson with seven goals, made his next chance count with just minutes remaining.

Kansas City's Jack Jewsbury crossed the ball into the area from the right and, after missing an initial attempt, the ball bounced off a Colorado defender and Sealy beat Coundoul for the game-winner.

Colorado had two chances in stoppage time, but Omar Cummings hit the post and Christian Gomez put an open header high over the bar.

Kansas City will try to extend its winning streak to three Wednesday when it hosts New England. Colorado visits New England on April 12.