Mitglieder-Steckbriefe » agents.This offseason Washington acquired cen

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- A defensive approach is beginning to pay dividends for the Colorado Rapids. "We always knew that we had to be a good defence," coach Oscar Pareja said. "We knew that if we played good defence, we would find ways to score goals." The blueprint was in play in a 2-0 win over Chivas USA on Saturday night. "Our defence was one of our weaknesses we had last year," Pareja said. "What we put in our players minds was that we needed to defend better, be solid defensively and the goals would come." Atiba Harris scored in the 11th minute and Nathan Sturgis added a late goal for Colorado (5-4-4), which extended its unbeaten streak to five matches (3-0-2). "Defence is what you build your team off of," Sturgis said. "You try to finish (your scoring chances) and the last couple of games we have put teams away." The Rapids are unbeaten in six home games against Chivas USA, and have eight wins and two ties in their last 10 against the Los Angeles club overall since losing on March 21, 2009. Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin is 5-2-4 with five shutouts since taking over for injured Matt Pickens, who is out several months because of a broken right forearm. Chivas USA (3-6-2) has been outscored 13-1 in four straight losses. "Weve had a lot of roster moves to make and these arent my players," said Chivas coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola. "One player plays a 4-4-2 and another plays a different system and it will take time." Neither team had a shot on goal until Christopher Klute found Harris behind the defence in the 11th minute. The defences dominated play for most of opening half. Chivas USAs offence came alive over a seven-minute stretch, getting free for several shots. Gabriel Farfan broke free from just outside the penalty box, but had his shot sail into the stands in the 22nd minute. Bobby Burlings shot went off the side of the goal and Farfan had a shot easily handled by Irwin, who made only one save in the half. Colorado was aggressive enough to draw fouls and two yellow cards in the waning moments of the half. Scoring chances remained at a premium in the second half. Deshorn Brown broke free for a shot that was deflected wide of the right post in the 56th minute Irwin made an easy save on a shot by Eric Avila in the 69th. Brown set up Sturgis goal in the 78th minute. The win completed a season series sweep by the Rapids, who also won the April 13th meeting 1-0. "We have given up too many goals in as many weeks and it hasnt been good for us," Burling said. "It is a tough stretch and only the people in the locker room can change it." Y.A. Tittle Jersey . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. Jerry Rice Jersey . LOUIS -- Rookie Tavon Austin has missed another day of practice, lessening the odds hell be ready for the St. http://www.cheap49ersjerseysauthentic.com/?tag=authentic-steve-young-jersey .com) - Yankee Stadium is the home of the Bronx Bombers, but on Sunday afternoon it will open its gates to host the latest addition of the Hudson River Rivalry. 49ers Jerseys China . PAUL, Minn. 49ers Jerseys Authentic China .Y. -- Injured Buffalo Sabres forward Marcus Foligno did not practice with the team Monday and head coach Ron Rolston said its unlikely hell play in Wednesdays season opener in Detroit. ARLINGTON, Va. -- Marcus Johansson was back in Toronto for another arbitration hearing with the Washington Capitals, but this time he didnt have to go through with it.Hours before Johansson and the Capitals were set to go to arbitration for the second time, they agreed on a $13.75 million, three-year deal. The 25-year-old Swedish forward will count $4.583 million against the salary cap, almost exactly between the two sides arbitration asking prices but on a longer contract.Johansson got as close as the entrance to the hotel where NHL arbitration cases are heard before the deal got done.I dont think anyone wants to go to arbitration. Thats kind of a last resort, Johansson said on a conference call from Toronto on Wednesday. It was a little tight schedule before the meeting, but Im really happy that we worked it out.Johansson will make $4.25 million next season and $4.75 million in 2017-18 and 2018-19 on a contract thats similar to the one former teammate Mathieu Perreault signed as a restricted free agent with the Winnipeg Jets earlier this summer.The $4.583 million cap hit fits into Washingtons offseason plan with one more restricted free agent left to sign in defenseman Dmitry Orlov. The Capitals won the Presidents Trophy as the leagues top regular-season team a year ago and will have almost the same group back to take another shot at the Stanley Cup next season.To be able to keep the team, its hard, Johansson said. Its hard for everyone. Im just happy we were able to figure it out in the end. To be able to be part of this team for three more years, thats important to me. I think both parties are happy with it. TTheres obviously the cap in the NHL and they have to find a way to stay under it.dddddddddddd.Johansson had 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points in 74 games last season. In 419 regular-season NHL games, Johansson has 78 goals and 154 assists for 232 points and has added 22 points in the playoffs.Under coach Barry Trotz, Johansson has developed his all-around game and improved his production by going to the net more.Thats been a part of my game that Ive been working on and trying to score more goals and get more pucks to the net, Johansson said. You always want to be part of it and score goals. Thats always a fun part. But as long as you feel youre improving on it and getting better, I think thats a sign that youre moving in the right direction.Signing him for three years takes some of the mystery out of next summer, when the Capitals have forwards T.J. Oshie, Justin Williams and Daniel Winnik and defenseman Karl Alzner as unrestricted free agents and forwards Evgeny Kuznetsov and Andre Burakovsky as restricted free agents.This offseason Washington acquired center Lars Eller in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens and let long-time left winger Jason Chimera leave in free agency. Johansson said the Capitals continue to make moves to improve.Mac has done a great job getting us what we need, he said. I think last year we showed that were really contending. ... This is a team and a group that I really think we can win with.---Follow Stephen Whyno on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/SWhyno .