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The Colorado Rapids will return to BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, the site that the Rocky Mountain club won their first MLS Cup championship last November. A trip to a struggling TFC side could be exactly what the Rapids need, since Colorado are winless in their last three matches in all competitions. The match will be broadcast on Altitude TV at 11:30AM MST on Saturday.
Colorado (10-8-11) and Toronto (5-12-12) were humbled my Mexican opposition at the midweek, with Colorado losing 4-1 at home to Santos Laguna, and Toronto FC having no answers for Pumas UNAM in Mexico City in a 4-0 rout. Both matches were CONCACAF Champions League fixtures. However, TFC had an impressive 4-2 win over Columbus Crew at Columbus Crew Stadium on the weekend.
Colorado has never won at BMO Field against Toronto FC in league play, with TFC winning all four matches since the Canadian club joined MLS in 2007.
Colorado faces a revamped Toronto FC side since the last time the clubs faced each other on May 22 in a 0-0 draw at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. During the summer transfer window, TFC were busy and added the likes of Torsten Frings, Terry Dunfield, Danny Koevermans, Eric Avila, and Andy Iro. Torsten Frings is a former German International who played in two World Cups for Die Mannschaft and starred for Werder Bremen in the German Bundesliga.
Colorado has made one roster change recently by adding the services of versatile Guadeloupe defender Miguel Comminges. The defender made his debut as a second-half substitute in Colorado's 4-1 loss to Santos Laguna on Tuesday.
It is unclear what lineup Gary Smith will feature after the midweek loss to Santos Laguna. Gary Smith will likely rest some forwards in order to keep them fresh for next week's critical home clash with Real España in the CONCACAF Champions League. Look for Caleb Folan to potentially see time up top against Toronto. Also, Nane could start in central midfield as Jeff Larentowicz or Pablo Mastroeni could also start on the substitutes bench. Toronto FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei is listed as questionable with a leg injury.
Colorado need to win in Toronto to build back the confidence they had just a few weeks ago when they were in the midst of an 8-game unbeaten streak. The Rapids defense will have to contain the speedy and dangerous Joao Plata and limit Torsten Frings' play in the midfield. Danny Koevermans has enjoyed a comfortable start to his Toronto FC career with 4 goals in 6 games played. With a win, Colorado (currently 5th place) could inch closer to Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas in the Western Conference Standings.