Colorado Rapids defender Reggie Cannon, right, smiles while giving autographs after an MLS soccer match against Toronto FC Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) — Reggie Cannon scored a goal in the 53rd minute, Djordje Mihailovic converted a penalty kick in stoppage time and the Colorado Rapids beat Toronto FC 2-0 Saturday night to clinch a berth in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Colorado (15-10-5) it third in the Western Conference with 50 points, behind Real Salt Lake (51) and the LA Galaxy (58).
Cannon, who subbed on and played 16 minutes in his debut with the Rapids in a 4-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, made his first start for the Rapids and his one-touch finish from just outside the area gave Colorado a 1-0 lead early in the second half.
The 26-year-old Cannon, a U.S. international who made his MLS debut with FC Dallas in 2017, signed last week with the Rapids following a turbulent four years in Europe.
Mihailovic scored from the spot to cap the scoring. His 24 goal contributions (11 goals, 13 assists) this season are a franchise record.
Toronto (11-17-3) is five points behind FC Charlotte and New York City FC (41 points each) for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Colorado Rapids head coach Chris Armas looks on after an MLS soccer match against Toronto FC, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Toronto FC forward Deandre Kerr reacts after a loss to the Colorado Rapids in an MLS soccer match Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Colorado Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailović (10) scores against Toronto FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson, right, during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Colorado Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailović celebrates after a goal against Toronto FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Toronto FC midfielder Richie Laryea, front right, shoots on goal against Colorado Rapids defender Sebastian Anderson, left, during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Colorado Rapids defender Reggie Cannon (4) is congratulated by teammates Rafael Navarro, center left, and Cole Bassett (23) after scoring a goal against Toronto FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Toronto FC midfielder Matty Longstaff (8) tries to keep the ball in bounds against Colorado Rapids midfielder Connor Ronan (20) during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
