Matt Pickens Sets Rapids Record In Win Over Salt Lake, Dedicates Win To Grandfather

Since 1999, no Colorado Rapids goalkeeper had won more than 39 games with the team, with former US International Marcus Hahnemann holding the Rapids record since the early days of the club. Matt Pickens was finally able to break that record -- and he did it without shootouts adding extra wins to his record! -- on Saturday night as the Rapids shut out Real Salt Lake 1-0 for win number 40 in burgundy.

Pickens had his very sick grandfather in Kentucky on his mind during the game, and as reported by the Rapids website, the win was dedicated to him:

"My mom had asked me to dedicate this game to him," Pickens said as he received treatment. "I told her, 'absolutely,' that I'd do my best and that hopefully we'd come out with the win. I was thinking about him right after the whistle. I'm glad we could do this for the team, and that I could do this for my grandfather."

It's been a great year all around for Pickens, who leads Major League Soccer in the saves category and also managed to break the all-time shutouts record for Rapids keepers earlier in the season. With the Rapids in the basement of the Western Conference right now, Pickens will just need to concentrate on building that record up even more win a few more wins and perhaps a race to a playoff spot.

For more news and notes, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. More news on the Colorado Rapids can be found over at Burgundy Wave. For comprehensive soccer coverage, visit SB Nation's soccer news hub.

Real Salt Lake Vs. Rapids Final Score: Colorado Takes 1-0 Win On M Joseph Nane Goal

The Colorado Rapids (8-14-1, 25 pts) beat Real Salt Lake (13-8-3, 42 pts) in a 1-0 match Saturday night.

The Salt Lake offense managed only 4 attempts on goal, with only 1 on target. G Matt Pickens added only 1 save to his stat sheet, but that was all the Rapids defense needed.

Despite a 51.6% possession rate, Real Salt Lake could not get through the Rapids lines, but the Colorado offense managed to put just enough pressure on G Nick Rimando. With under 10 minutes remaining in the first half, M Joseph Nane redirected a deflection to give Colorado the eventual game-winning goal:

The Rapids totaled 16 attempts on goal, with only 3 of those attempts being on target, but their effort proved sufficient enough to beat the No. 2 team of the Western Conference.

For more news and notes, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. More news on the Colorado Rapids can be found over at Burgundy Wave. For comprehensive soccer coverage, visit SB Nation's soccer news hub.

Real Salt Lake Vs. Rapids Preview: Rocky Mountain Cup Is Clinched For RSL, So Colorado Plays For Pride

The Colorado Rapids host Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.