TORONTO—On a dark and stormy afternoon at BMO Field, Toronto FC snapped a three-game losing streak, defeating Colorado Rapids, 3-1.
TFC took to the pitch hoping the comforts of home would arrest a slide that put their playoff future in question, the victory firming their hold on fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Colorado entered – and left – rooted to the foot of the West, desperately seeking points to mount a challenge down the stretch.
Toronto settled themselves after errant play early, taking the lead in 14th minute through Sebastian Giovinco, who was allowed to run at goal unfettered down the right channel. Arriving at the edge of the area, Giovinco lined up a right-footer, placing his low shot across Clint Irwin in goal. The Rapids 'keeper got a piece of the ball, but couldn't prevent it dribbling over the line.
Giovinco fortified the lead four minutes later, adding his second of the afternoon – and 19th of the season – from the left edge of the box. Benoit Cheyrou played the initial ball up the middle, but it was a lovely flicked touch from Jonathan Osorio that found the Italian in space down the left. Giovinco opened up his body, placing a right-footer across to the far side.
Toronto made it three off a corner kick in the 38th minute, when Damien Perquis powered a header over the line. The chance came from Giovinco, who whipped the delivery near-post for his 14th assist.
Colorado responded just two minutes later, clawing their way back off a corner of their own in the 40th minute – moments after Chris Konopka had denied Dillon Serna a glorious chance from close range.
On the ensuing restart, Vicente Sanchez curled an inviting ball from the right towards the back post, where Dillon Powers escaped the attention of his marker, guiding a clean header into the Toronto goal.
As the second half opened paly, the sky darkened, the winds picked up, and the rain came swirling down in sheets, drenching the pitch. The Rapids tightened up their defense, denying TFC any further goals, but were unable to gain further ground. Several chances were denied, with Konopka saving a low Maynor Figueroa drive and a slide tackle by Justin Morrow preventing Luis Solignac from reaching the end of a neat flick. Solignac found the back of the net in stoppage time, but was ruled offside.
Toronto's five-match home stand continues against Chicago Fire next Saturday, while Colorado continue their travels, bound for Houston and a date with the Dynamo.
