In the past, the Colorado Rapids asked the media to participate in voting for their annual postseason awards, but there were more categories. This year, I voted in three categories: MVP, defender of the year and young player of the year. In the latter category, I chose Jacob Peterson, above. (photo by Jonathan Ingraham/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

Jeff Nelson battles Colorado Rapids defender Rob Valentino for a ball during a scrimmage this season. Nelson, a forward for the Colorado School of Mines, was named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference offensive player of the week. Read all about that and much more in this package of Colorado soccer notes. (photo by George Tanner/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

Imagine the array of emotions for Ryan Johnson on Friday night. The San Jose Earthquakes striker scored his team’s only goal in the eighth minute of a 1-1 tie against the Colorado Rapids. Then the 24-year-old committed the foul deep into extra time that produced a penalty kick for Colorado and the Rapids’ only goal.

DU freshman forward Alex Tarnoczi, far left, had himself a big weekend against Dayton and Belmont, two Beccas stood tall for Metropolitan State College, the Adams State men’s team got its first lead ever, Preston Burpo looks like he’ll start for the Colorado Rapids on Friday against San Jose, and much, much more! (photo by George Tanner/ ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

We discuss Colorado College’s four-team tournament, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference men’s and women’s honors, the possibilities for MVP of Major League Soccer, and the MLS playoff race. Read on, McDuff. …

Conor Casey, above right, who missed the U.S. national team’s game in Utah because he had his wisdom teeth pulled, scored in the 52nd minute as the Colorado Rapids defeated Toronto FC 1-0 on Saturday.
(photo by Tom Auclair/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

A little more than a month after breaking both bones in his left forearm, Rapids defender Julien Baudet headed in a goal on a corner kick to lift Colorado past league-leading Houston on Sunday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (photo by Jonathan Ingraham/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

The Fire scored three goals in the final 20 minutes to defeat the Colorado Rapids 3-2 on Sunday in Chicago. The comeback spoiled a two-goal effort by Colorado striker Omar Cummings.

Pablo Mastroeni scored in the first minute and Conor Casey added three more goals as the Colorado Rapids blew out Chivas USA 4-0 on Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Omar Cummings, with ball above, took over sole possession of the Major League Soccer lead with three assists. (photo by Jonathan Ingraham/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

Chad Marshall scored on a free kick in the 39th minute as the Crew defeated Colorado 1-0 on Saturday night despite being outshot 16-5 by the Rapids. Above, Columbus goalkeeper William Hesmer denies the Rapids again. (photo by Jonathan Ingraham/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)