Colorado at Toronto FC
When: Noon Saturday
TV: Altitude
Radio: 1340 AM
Spotlight on Sebastian Giovinco:
The Toronto midfielder is having an MVP-caliber season in his first year in Major League Soccer. He ranks second in the league in goals (17) and assists (13). Known as the “Atomic Ant” because of his 5-foot-4, 135-pound frame, the Italian international signed with Toronto in January for more than $7 million per year, leaving Juventus of Italy’s Serie A. Giovinco came up through the Juventus youth system, making his debut with the club in 2007. He has 21 caps with the Italian national team (one goal) and played in the 2008 Olympics and UEFA Euro 2012.
NOTEBOOK
Rapids:
Colorado (8-10-10) makes its second trip to Canada in the last two weeks.
Currently in last place in the Western Conference with 34 points in 28 games, the Rapids are seven points and four teams out of the last playoff slot with six games remaining. Colorado has earned only one point in its last two matches, all but mathematically ending its playoff hopes.
In the Rapids’ last match, they were leading D.C. United 1-0 when an 87th minute goal leveled the score.
Colorado could get a lift from striker Luis Solignac this week; he returned to training after suffering a hamstring injury.
Colorado won the MLS Cup in Toronto in 2010.
Toronto FC:
The star-studded Reds (11-13-4) are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, with 37 points in 28 games.
The Reds have lost three straight and are searching for their first playoff berth in franchise history.
Toronto’s three designated players — Sebastian Giovinco and U.S. internationals Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore — earn more than $18 million combined annually. By comparison, the Rapids’ highest-paid player is Kevin Doyle at $1.1 million.
Daniel Boniface, The Denver Post
