The Colorado Rapids defeated Leon of the Mexican First Division, 1-0, in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup match on June 28. Rapids midfielder Marcelo Balboa, who played for Leon for
two seasons before joining Colorado in 1996, scored the game's lone goal with just seven minutes remaining. Balboa had only returned to Colorado from the World Cup in France late Friday, and played
only 18 minutes as a substitute. The goal came in the 83rd minute, when Balboa lofted a ball to the right corner flag, where Adrian Paz made slid the ball back in front to a waiting Balboa, who
struck a low shot to the far post for the go-ahead goal. The return leg is set for July 15, and will be played at Leon's Estadio Noucamp.
June 28 in Denver Colorado (MLS) 1 Leon
(Mexico) 0. Goal: Balboa 83.
Colorado -- Hahnemann, S.Henderson, Vermes, Trittschuh, C.Martinez, C.Henderson, Jakins, Paule (DiGiamarino, 87), Paz, Saenz (Balboa, 71), Harris (White, 71).
Leon -- Comizzo, Cadena, Romero, Pratola (S.Martinez, 46), Gonzalas, Medina, Garcia (Villarea, 77), Santacruz (Reynoso, 61), Medford, Saez, Mercado.
Yellow cards: Colorado --
Trittschuh 24, C.Henderson 77; Leon -- Gonzalez 18, Saez 40.
Referee: Kevin Skinner.
Att.: 7,442. (Second leg to be played July 15.)
