Going into their current three-game homestand, the Rapids [6-9-3; 22 pts]  were feeling confident.  They were buoyed by a 4-0 win at home against Red Bull NY, followed by two ties on the road against San Jose and FC Dallas.  There were calls of taking 9 points in the next three home games.  They host Toronto FC [6-8-4; 22 pts] on Saturday at 2 PM MT at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.

Unfortunately, the Columbus Crew had another idea.  They went a man down just before half time and were outshot by the Rapids 23-5.  Yet, the scoreboard read 2-0 Crew.  The Rapids played EPL side Everton last week and also lost that exhibition match 2-1.

One of the issues for the Rapids is a consistent strike force.  Skipper Fernando Clavijo has used 11 different combinations of players through 18 matches.  The Rapids sit in 13th place in the MLS combined table – several points away from MLS Cup playoff qualification.

To add insult to injury, the Rapids have failed for the second time in 4 months to sign their desired Brazilian striker Reinaldo.  They filed a discovery claim on him in January this year, but were outbid by a Korean team, Busan.  The Denver Post reported that the second attempt to bring in the 6′ 5″ 24 year old striker failed for unspecified reasons.  According to Charlie Wright, “Ever since the end of last year, we have tried to bring in a consistent scorer.”

Amidst this bad news, the Rapids have some hope.  First, they are 6-0-1 when they score first.  Next, they are only 5 points out of a playoff qualification spot in the crowded MLS Western Conference.   Finally, they are hosting Toronto FC who has struggled on the road during their 2 year MLS existence.  In the 2008 season, Toronto have not won on the road since April and have not won in 8 MLS league games.  They lost their first home game of the season last week.

Look for the Rapids to come out firing against the Candian side but if they do not score, Toronto will have a punchers chance to stay in the game and perhaps earn a road tie.

Prediction: 2-1 Rapids.