Rapids cruise to win as Toronto FC rests starters for CCL

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:31 am

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Jack Price scored his first career MLS goal in the second minute, Shkelzen Gashi added a penalty late in the second half, and the Colorado Rapids beat a depleted Toronto FC 2-0 on Saturday.

Toronto was not at full strength, holding out many of its starters for next week's first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final. Toronto will host Chivas Guadalajara on Tuesday night.

With the likes of Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley all left out, the Reds started center-back Jason Hernandez, whom they only signed a day earlier, and winger Ryan Telfer, who was just called up from their USL team.

The new lineup was outmatched as Toronto's MLS struggles continued -- the defending champions have lost three of their first four games while focusing on the Champions League. Coach Greg Vanney is likely to use a similar lineup next weekend against Houston.

Price gave the Rapids the lead about 80 seconds into the match, intercepting Drew Moor's attempted clearance just outside the penalty arc and sending back a knuckling right-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Clint Irwin.

Dominique Badji drew a penalty against Liam Fraser in the 77th minute and Gashi converted it a minute later to make it 2-0.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.