(Sports Network) - The Colorado Rapids suffered their biggest loss of the season earlier this month when leading scorer Conor Casey was added to the U.S. national team.

But coach Gary Smith's club has overcome the loss of Casey, who is still second in the league with eight goals, with a 1-1 tie against Real Salt Lake and a 3-0 win over Eastern Conference leader D.C. United.

Omar Cummings filled the void last week, scoring twice and adding an assist to lead the Rapids to the big win over United. He has five goals this season.

"Without Conor [Casey] we're looking elsewhere to try to find some goals that are going to win us points, and tonight Omar has come up there," Smith said.

Colorado will continue to play without Casey this week, as he misses his third and fourth matches due to international duty. Cummings has scored three of his goals during his absence, and will be key again this week.

The Rapids open the week at home against FC Dallas on Wednesday, then visit the Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday trying to extend their seven-game unbeaten run.

Colorado (5-2-5) is one of four teams still undefeated at home, scoring 10 goals while allowing just four at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

In addition to Cummings' stellar play, goalie Matt Pickens had a good showing against D.C. with his second shutout of the season.

With midfielder Terry Cooke (knee) the only player on the injury report, the Rapids are in good position to make a move up the standings this week. Colorado is in fourth, just two behind Seattle, and has played the fewest games in MLS.

FC Dallas (3-7-4) got off to a horrible start this season but has just one loss in its last six. Dallas earned its biggest win of the season last weekend with a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew.

"The guys really dug deep into themselves and came away with the performance of the year for us as far as the results," Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman said. "I am really proud of the guys. I think it gives us a breath of fresh air. If we do these things, well find a way to win."

Dallas has beaten the Chicago Fire, who were unbeaten in their first 11 matches at the times, and the Crew in its last four games. The Hoops have concerns this week with a 1-4-1 road record and a number of injuries, including midfielder Marcelo Saragosa (out) and defender George John (questionable).

Dallas is seventh in the Western Conference, 15 points out of first place, and already in danger of falling out of the postseason race if it can't put string together a few wins.



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