NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Colorado Rapids advanced to the MLS Cup final with a 1-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the Eastern Conference final.

The Rapids will be making its first appearance in the Championship game since 1997 and will face the winner of Sunday's Western Conference final between FC Dallas and the host LA Galaxy.

Defender Kosuke Kimura scored a rare but fortuitous goal when his intended cross eluded Earthquakes goalie Jon Busch and nestled in the net on 42 minutes.

It was just Kimura's third goal in four seasons.

(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by John O'Brien)