The new-look Colorado Rapids put up a more-than-respectable resistance, but in the end the Toronto FC juggernaut picked up right where it left off at the end of 2017: winning.
The visiting Reds dispatched the Rapids 2-0 to seize a commanding advantage in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 series on Tuesday night in bitterly cold conditions at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
Dominique Badji spurned a one-on-one chance vs. TFC goalkeeper Alex Bono in the first half, and Toronto made their hosts pay with two strikes after the break, both finishes of endline service from the right flank. First Jonathan Osorio headed home a Sebastian Giovinco cross, and later it was Giovinco side-volleying a dipping delivery from new signing Auro.
The two sides will conclude the series at BMO Field in a week's time.
Goals
Three Things
The Big Picture:
Knocking off the defending treble winners was always going to be a tall order for the rebuilt Rapids, but they got close enough here to wince at the memory of the missed opportunities. Now they have a mountain to climb in Ontario.
Next Up
- Leg 2: Toronto FC vs. Colorado Rapids, BMO Field, Tuesday, Feb. 27 | 8 pm ET (univisiondeportes.com, Galavision (tape delayed) in US, TSN in Canada)
