Rapids Set to Face Toronto FC and Their Former Coach

The Colorado Rapids will face Toronto FC on Saturday, bringing reunions for both teams.

Recently, Toronto traded defender Kosi Thompson to the Rapids for up to $400,000 in General Allocation Money.

“Kosi’s versatility is impressive,” said Colorado coach Matt Wells. “He can play multiple positions and excels in duels with great defensive intensity.”

Robin Fraser, now in his second year as Toronto’s coach, will go up against his former club. He coached Colorado for four seasons from 2019 to 2023, leading them to the playoffs in 2020 and 2021.

The teams last played on March 21 and both had a weekend off due to international matches. Colorado (3-2-0, nine points) achieved a solid 4-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City, while Toronto (2-2-1, seven points) won 2-1 at home against the Columbus Crew.

“Getting a rest period was important,” Wells mentioned. “They had their four days off after that match. Now, it’s all about Toronto.”

In the game against Columbus, Jose Cifuentes and Walker Zimmerman scored for Toronto.

Daniel Salloi leads Toronto with two goals and one assist. The team has scored six goals this season, while their opponents have found the net eight times.

Fraser noted he wasn’t surprised by the goals in the last match.

“Opportunities will come to different players during a game,” he said. “Cifuentes may not seem like a goal scorer, but he has a talent for striking the ball well. When in scoring positions, he delivers.”

“I can’t count how many headers Walker has scored in this league, but it feels familiar,” he added.

On the other hand, Colorado has scored 11 goals, the third highest in the Western Conference, and has allowed just seven goals.

Rafael Navarro leads the Rapids with three goals and three assists. Paxten Aaronson and Darren Yapi both contribute with two goals and two assists each.

“We’re happy to score, but we want more clean sheets,” Wells stated. “Striving for excellence in all areas is our goal.”