Game Recap: Toronto FC 1, Colorado Rapids 1

It started with an early goal for Toronto FC, as homegrown player Jay Chapman put one past Zac MacMath and the defense in the 5th minute. MacMath came off his line but didn’t get to the ball, which was then crossed into the box. MacMath got back and got a foot save, but Toronto got it back. No one (cough cough Mike Da Fonte) stepped up to shooter and just like that, the Colorado Rapids went down 1-0.

The Rapids spent most of the first half chasing Toronto around and not being able to connect many passes or get anything started. I thought that the break would help the Rapids get healthy and get it together, but they looked super disjointed. They did get off a shot on target (Toronto had three on target).

Chapman almost got another one less than 30 seconds into the second half, but luckily he shot it way over the goal. Dominique Badji had a chance down on the other end, but ran of out space to run down the ball and Clint Irwin was there to scoop it up. Right after, MacMath had a heavy touch that eventually resulted in Toronto with a potential opportunity.

Kevin Doyle had a nice pass to give Dillon Serna a shot in the 62nd minute, but it was right to Irwin. In the 63rd minute, Alan Gordon came in for Eric Miller and Hairston dropped back to the fullback position.

It did seem that Colorado had a bit more energy after around the 65th minute, and the Rapids had a great chance in the 67th minute when Mo served in a wonderful pass to Kevin Doyle’s head in the box. A couple guys were crashing in to get the rebound, but Irwin made the save and hung on to the ball. The Rapids gained a bit more possession and started connecting at least a few passes. After a solid pass from Gordo, Badji dribbled the ball in, megged a defender, and got a goal to tie it up 1-1 in the 77th minute.

Toronto had a good look late in the half, as a ball was heading right toward Giovinco, but luckily Da Fonte was able to poke it out of bounds. It did result in a Toronto corner, which the Rapids had to defend with a player down after Marly went to the sideline with a cramp. After the corner, Saeid went down with a potential head injury and Marly came back onto the pitch.

There were FIVE MINUTES of extra time and the Rapids were still playing with 10 men. With Hairston playing injured (and earning a yellow card for a high boot), then Da Fonte went down with a cramp and Colorado had to defend with nine men for the last bit.

But when the whistle blew, the Rapids finally earned their first road point. It was an ugly, ugly game, but I’ll take the point.

Even though we did get a point, this game further exposed the Rapids’ weakness at the left back position. It’s no secret that Mekeil Williams isn’t getting it done, but every time Mike Da Fonte starts, he seems to be at least partially responsible for a goal. We need a solid back line and we just don’t have that this year.