FC Dallas moved into a four-way tie with Toronto, New England, and D.C. for the final spot in the 2009 Major League Soccer playoffs with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids at Pizza Hut Park on Saturday night.

Central defenders George John and Ugo Ihemelu scored their first goals of the season for Dallas' four straight victory and fifth in the last six games.

John opened the scoring in the 4th minute when he got on the end of a Dave van den Bergh free kick from the right side and headed home.

The Hoops (11-12-6) doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Ihemelu knocked home a loose ball in the Colorado penalty area after a Dax McCarty free kick. The ball was lofted into the area, and after striker Jeff Cunningham headed on goal, goalkeeper Preston Burpo made the save. But Ihemelu hammered home the rebound from close range, just inside the right post.

Colorado pulled a goal back in the 71st minute when Pat Noonan slotted home a Nick LaBrocca feed, but that was as close as it could get.

The Rapids (10-9-10) failed to clinch a playoff spot with the loss, and will try to do so in their last game at Real Salt Lake on Saturday, while Dallas will travel to Seattle later the same night trying to clinch as well.

Game Notes

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