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Rapids return home to face Toronto

May 20, 2011 - 7:00 PM Commerce City, CO (Sports Network) - The Colorado Rapids return home to Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Sunday to face Toronto FC after a three-game road trip.

The Rapids were able to come away from the trip with a win and two draws, including a 1-1 deadlock with D.C. United last time out. And although Colorado coach Gary Smith was disappointed with a second-half penalty decision that went against his team, he was pleased with the overall trip.

"We didn't start the second half very well and D.C., with a little bit of help from the officials, took advantage of it," Smith said after the match. "But, yes, in frustration we didn't get all three [points], but it's been a long three road trips unbeaten so it's decent."

Another bright spot for Colorado against D.C. was the return to the field of striker Conor Casey, who played the final 30 minutes of the match after last taking the field on April 3 because of injury.

Toronto is also coming off a draw in its last match, a 2-2 result at home against the Chicago Fire that saw TFC squander a two-goal lead in the final 30 minutes.

But there were positives to take away from the match for the Reds despite giving away the lead as 19-year-old striker Joao Plata continued his good run of form with a goal and an assist.

The Ecuadorian has been a key part in the TFC attack since he was inserted into the starting lineup by coach Aron Winter, scoring two goals with two assists in the past three games.

Toronto will also be recovering from a midweek game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship on Wednesday.

The game saw a pair of Toronto players, Jacob Peterson and Tony Tchani, both forced off the field early with injuries, leaving their status for Sunday's match in doubt.