After a nine day layoff, the Colorado Rapids are finally coming home from their grueling three game road trip. Colorado earned five points on that trip, more than they expected but less than they probably would have hoped to get. Finally at home and with a squad that actually somewhat resembles their first team, Colorado will face Toronto FC today with a chance to get their first win since the 2-1 Houston victory.
Toronto is currently playing for the Canadian Voyagers Cup, the most prestigious trophy in Canadian football and a cup that carries with it a berth in this year's CONCACAF Champions League. The first leg was only a few days ago and the second leg will come only a few days after today, so it's very likely that the Toronto side we see on the pitch will be a lackluster B-team. That won't be helped by the fact that their most quality player Julien De Guzman is suspended for the match and their top offensive youngster Joao Plata might be missing as well due to an Ecuadorian call-up.
Colorado will finally be starting Conor Casey today for the first time in what seems like ages, his appearances on the season being cut to only three haven't been of much a help to the struggling Colorado offense, his presence on the pitch should help as it always seems to when it comes to banging goals in. Against this weakened Toronto squad, there should be no excuse for the Rapids not to come in, blow the doors down and win by two or three goals.
Go Rapids! For more analysis, visit Burgundy Wave.