COMMERCE CITY, Colo.—Facing the most feared attacker in MLS and missing their own star striker, the Colorado Rapids produced yet another team-first performance to edge Toronto FC, 1-0, on Saturday night.
Without the services of injured Designated PlayerKevin Doyle, the Rapids were looking for options up front, and Luis Solignac proved up to the task. The Argentine broke through in the 18th minute, receiving a through ball over the top from Marco Pappa and burying it past former teammate Clint Irwin to give Colorado a 1-0 win.
“It feels amazing,” Solignac said. “It’s tough to come in when one of your teammates is injured, but as a player, you want to help the team. So I’m happy I could help with a goal, be dangerous and be a threat to the defense. I think we had a very smart and intelligent game.”
Solignac's first MLS goal was a moment of validation following a 2015 campaign which included injury struggles and an inability to find the back of the net.
“I think Luis has been one of the best teammates,” said Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni. “He came in last year and struggled with a bunch of injuries. He came in this year with a renewed desire to prove to everyone that he’s a very good player. Tonight he showed that.”
Perhaps Colorado’s most important task, however, was to contain Toronto striker Sebastian Giovinco. The Rapids defense did well to shut down the reigning MLS MVP and earn a clean sheet.
“We watch film and as a manager you don’t want to show too much, but I think he’s one of the most talented players in this league,” Mastroeni said. “It was really tense. Credit to our [defense] in really doing a good job of minimizing quality.”
Another key component to containing Giovinco: maintaining possession. The Rapids held more than 63 percent in the first half and closed the game at 55 percent.
“It’s still a process,” Mastroeni said. “I’m sick and tired of losing games and playing really good. Winning is why we’re here.”
