Toronto FC return home after a bitterly disappointing midweek match against New York City, where they were outwitted 2-0. The disciplined New York City side got an early goal from Frank Lampard and held on for the rest of the game. Sitting just five points above the red line now, Toronto take on the Colorado Rapids in a match-up that could send them into another late season tailspin.
At first glance, a win against the Rapids should be a simple task. The Rapids sit dead last in the Western Conference, they’ve scored just 26 goals in 28 matches as a team, and they’re facing a Toronto side possessing one of the strongest attacks in the league. Colorado’s top two leading scorers combine for 8 goals, while Toronto’s two leading scorers combine for 27 goals.
How can Toronto FC win against the Colorado Rapids?
However, the Rapids have lost just one of their last five matches, with the loss coming against the table-topping Vancouver Whitecaps. Also, the Rapids are a team who possess a stingy and strong defensive game. They have conceded just 30 goals this season, while Toronto have conceded almost 20 more (49).
Toronto are enduring a tough attacking phase at the moment. In the last two games they’ve scored just one goal, and they haven’t looked this unlikely to score in the entire season. They’re able to maintain possession, get to the opposing box, and then they simply run out of ideas and sprint into traffic.
After carrying the play against New England and New York City over the last week, Toronto conceded off mental lapses and defensive gaffes to lose those games. The Rapids’ strong defensive game will only add to Toronto’s difficulty to score and Toronto could very well be caught on the counter. Colorado Rapids striker and Republic of Ireland international Kevin Doyle is more than capable of finishing off in an opportunistic manner.
The Rapids will hope to get an opportunistic goal and maintain their defensive shape for the rest of the game. Toronto will need to watch out for the likes of Doyle, Dillon Serna, Gabriel Torres, and playmaker Dillon Powers. Doyle and Torres have four goals on the season, while Powers leads the team with five assists.
Toronto also faces uncertainty over their defense. After playing three at the back against New England, they switched back to four against New York City. Damien Perquis was dropped to the bench after a horrific return to the squad. Other star addition Ahmed Kantari could be suspended for the match after videos indicated that he struck New York City attacker Patrick Mullins. Eriq Zavaleta or Clement Simonin could feature against the Rapids.
Toronto head coach Greg Vanney made an interesting choice to play Jozy Altidore on the wing against New York City, with Sebastian Giovinco playing as a lone striker. The decision did not pay dividends as Altidore looked uncomfortable and couldn’t get into the game. It is likely that Altidore is moved to the top of the park against the Rapids.
In order for Toronto to win, they will need to be patient. Quick ball movement, such as the type they displayed against Orlando City, will be imperative to create an opening. Toronto will also need to score the first goal in order to take all three points. Toronto is 0-10-2 when trailing at half time. If they are down against a tight team like Colorado at half time, there will likely be no chance of a comeback. Finally, the defenders will need to stay sharp to clear any dangerous attacks the Rapids will manufacture and avoid getting caught on the counter.
Kick-off is at 2 PM EST, at BMO Field.
