The Colorado Rapids (3-3-0, 9 pts., 7th West) fall on the road to Toronto FC (3-2-1, 10 pts., 4th West) 3-2 at BMO Field on Saturday.
Colorado controlled the pace of the match early, but neither side was able to break the ice despite their opportunities to start play.
Toronto threatened with the first real opportunities of the match, but goalkeeper Zack Steffen was there on multiple occasions to stop the opposition from finding the back of the net.
After taking some time to settle in, the Colorado attack began to go to work and create chances of their own in the final third. The attacking trio of Rafael Navarro, Paxten Aaronson, and Dante Sealy connected on a few chances but were unable to find that final shot to get on the scoresheet.
Following a stretch of play that went back and forth between both sides, Rapids defender Jackson Travis received a red card, leaving Colorado with only 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Despite being down for a large stretch of the first half, the Rapids defense stood strong and prevented any goals, leading to a 0-0 scoreline at halftime.
The scoreless nature of the match would not last long in the second half, with action happening almost immediately after play resumed.
Colorado began the half on the front foot, leading to a golden opportunity from Wayne Frederick alone on net. Toronto defender Raheem Edwards made a tackle on Frederick that was later determined to be a red card, bringing the match to even strength yet again.
Now with added energy, the Rapids began their attacking threats. On the free kick given from the red card, Aaronson stepped up and ripped a low driven shot into the bottom left corner of the net to break the ice and give Colorado the lead.
The goal marked Aaronson’s third of the season and his fourth goal contribution in his last four appearances.
It wouldn’t take long for the Rapids to double their advantage, with Rafael Navarro leading play down the left wing. The Designated Player then sent in a shot that redirected across net to find an open Keegan Rosenberry, who smashed home a shot to double the Colorado lead.
The goal was Rosenberry’s first of the season and the 12th of his MLS career.
From there, it would be the hosts that would regain momentum in this match.
Toronto opened their scoring in the 65th minute off the foot of Richie Laryea and then equalized in the 77th minute via an own goal. The home side then took the lead in the 85th minute when Josh Sargent found the back of the net off a header.
That would be all for the scoring in the match, with Toronto claiming all three points at home.
The Rapids will return home for their next matchup against Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday, April 11. Kickoff at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is set for 7:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on Apple TV, Altitude Sports Radio, Tico Sports Spanish Radio, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.
