Preview: Colorado Rapids vs. Toronto – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

The Colorado Rapids can officially secure a place in the MLS Cup playoffs if they get just one point against Toronto at Dick's Sporting Goods Park

In their midweek match, the Burgundy Boys lost 4-1 to Sporting Kansas City but maintained their fourth place in the Western Conference, while the Reds clinched one of the last two postseason spots in the East after a 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew.

Game Preview

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After weeks of positive results, the Rapids lost for only the second time in eight MLS games on Wednesday night in Kansas City.

This was the eighth time this year that the former Toronto coach Chris Armas had seen his team concede three or more goals in a game this season.

This was one of their weakest domestic performances in 2024, but throughout the year the group has consistently come back strong after difficult performances, suffering two consecutive defeats only once all year.

A win or a draw is all they need to return to the postseason for the first time since 2021, and if they win their remaining five games, the Rapids will surpass their club record for points in a season from three years ago (61).

This weekend at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, they have a chance to reach double-digit numbers in national wins for the first time since 2022 (10).

The Colorado Rapids remained unbeaten in seven consecutive MLS home games against Toronto, not conceding a goal in six of those games.

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TFC are still in the play-off positions but are not making it easy for themselves, having lost two of their three league games since the end of the Leagues Cup.

Heading into this matchup, Toronto sits just three points above the postseason line but has played one more game than DC United and Philadelphia Union, the two teams directly behind them in the standings.

John Herdman has led them to 36 points after 30 league games, more than this club has collected in each of its last three regular seasons.

Saturday is their third game in a week and the Reds are in danger of losing two domestic games in a row for the first time since July.

Toronto has one win and one loss on the road against Western Conference opponents this year: it lost to the Vancouver Whitecaps (4-0) in April and defeated the Houston Dynamo (1-0) late last month.

Their last win against the Rapids at Dick's Sporting Good Park came during the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League (2-0). They have not won an MLS game there since 2008 (1-0).

Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer form:

Colorado Rapids form (all competitions):

Toronto Major League Soccer form:

Toronto form (all competitions):

Team News

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Because of illness Kimani Stewart-Baynes He was absent from the last Rapids game, Kevin Cabral had to deal with a sore elbow and Sam Vines was not used due to a thigh strain.

Darren Yapi can return to Colorado's lineup for this game after serving his red card suspension earlier this week.

Michael Edwards scored the only goal for the Rapids against Sporting KC, the first for the 23-year-old defender in the 2024 domestic season.

Neither Henry Wingo still Nicksoen Gomis played for Toronto on Wednesday after both were substituted last weekend with minor injuries. Kevin Long had to take a break due to a thigh injury.

Shane O’Neill missed the game against the Crew due to several yellow cards and can return to the squad for this match.

Earlier this week, the Reds signed Nathaniel Edwards And Charlie Sharp on contracts until the end of 2025 with options for 2026 and 2027.

Possible Colorado Rapids starting lineup:
Steffen; Rosenberry, Edwards, Maxso, Travis; Ronan, Bassett; Fernandez, Mihailovic, Lewis; Navarro

Possible Toronto starting lineup:
Johnson; Laryea, Rosted, O'Neill; Bernardeschi, Longstaff, Coello, Etienne; Osorio, insignia; Kerr

We think: Colorado Rapids 3-0 Toronto

While Toronto has managed to stay in the playoff race all year, we believe fatigue will play a role this weekend against a top-tier Colorado offense, not to mention the high altitude of Commerce City.

Click here to see a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.

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