Match Preview: Colorado II: Return To Sea Level

TORONTO FC VS. COLORADO RAPIDS
BMO Field - Saturday, 4:30PM EST
TV: CBC -- Radio: The Fan 590

Hey Colorado - do you like the circus? Well, let's hope so because without putting up the BMO Winter Bubble, the big top is definitely in full effect. The only thing not happening around TFC this week is talk of how poor they have played lately! Since we last met Rapid Colorado (apologies to Vienna and Bucharest etc.) The Reds have forced their homemade legend and cult hero Danny Dichio into retirement; revealed their "plans" for bringing grass to BMO Field (believe it only if you smoke grass); and today, excuse me while I re-hinge my jaw, have signed their first Designated Player in the way of Scarborough Afro-cultivator and former La Liga star Julian De Guzman! So... how was your week Denverites? One thing we can say about Toronto FC under Chairman Mo's tutelage - they are rarely boring. True, the news is usually infuriating but sprinkled in the midst is sometimes a glimmer of hope which keeps us addicted like shaking Field Turf junkies.

TORONTO FC - 8-7-9 - 31pts - 5th in EAST (11th OVERALL)
Make no bones about it, Toronto FC must win this match to stay even remotely close to the playoff hunt. The club's recent form is shocking and it is surprising that after only one win in seven matches they still have the post-season opportunity. Thank the Baby Jesus for MLS parity. Last week's disheartening 1-0 loss to our back-to-back buddies Colorado had Dwayne De Rosario steaming after the match and questioning his team mates "commitment" to the cause. It is going to take a much improved display from Chris Cummins' men to get 3 points tomorrow and as usual, the problem will come from the impotent strikers. If Chad Barrett starts - switch the channel to pro bowling. The task will be made harder with a possible injury to Carl Robinson as well as suspensions to Adrian Serioux and Amadou Sanyang. Amado Guevara will be back from international duty but whether his mind and energy follow his body on to the pitch is another story. Whether or not brand new DP midfielder Julian De Guzman will play, depends on his contract and transfer being finalized by MLS in time as well as his fitness.

COLORADO RAPIDS - 9-6-7 - 36pts - 3rd in WEST (5th OVERALL)
What Toronto saw from Colorado last week in suburban Denver is what we will likely see again. Perhaps the outlook will be slightly defensive but if TFC goes cold early, expect Rapids to go for the jugular. The Maroons are creeping their way up the table and know that with a few more points they can secure a playoff berth. The steady results as of late may very well set them in good standing against TFC's off the field distractions. The toothless (literally and dentally not figuratively) Conor Casey will be the main threat once again as he shows his wisdom (see what I did there!) in front of goal. With 12 goals, Casey leads MLS and is on track for the golden boot. If only TFC could have signed him... oh yeah... never mind. Pablo Mastroeni is still serving suspension so midfield duties will fall to the pinpoint passing skills of Mehdi "The Blues Brothers" Ballouchy with Omar Cummings helping out up front. If Rapids can ignore the circus then they can shoot TFC's season out of the proverbial cannon.