The Formations Missing five players who would ordinarily be in the starting lineup, Toronto FCs squad depth was tested against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. Mattias Ekholm Jersey . No Jermain Defoe and no Michael Bradley meant that two of the leagues premier players were unavailable for Toronto, providing Dwayne De Rosario and Kyle Bekker with opportunities to fill in. Tactically, head coach Ryan Nelsen again chose to employ his favoured 4-4-2 formation. The Colorado Rapids lined up with two changes to their 4-4-2 diamond midfield lineup that was successful against the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend; Kamani Hill was replaced by former TFC midfielder, Nick LaBrocca, and Edson Buddle replaced Deshorn Brown up top. The Game This game was a big test for Toronto FC, given the quality and quantity of players that were unavailable. But despite losing the game 1-0 to an Edson Buddle goal, TFC acquitted themselves quite well. Defensively, the back four looked as solid as it ever has. Bradley Orr slotted into Doneil Henrys position and looked comfortable and composed alongside Steven Caldwell, who was excellent. Mark Bloom had another very solid game at right fullback, reaffirming Ryan Nelsens belief that he can be the solution for that position. With the signings of Defoe and Bradley getting all of the headlines this offseason, the acquisition of Justin Morrow flew under the radar. However, one could argue that his performances have been a big factor in TFCs solid start to the season. No longer do opponents view Torontos left flank as a free runway for opposing wingers and fullbacks to cross the ball at will. Morrow is shutting things down nicely, and while he doesnt have the same desire to get forward as his predecessor, Ashtone Morgan, Morrow does what all good defenders should do first - defend. In midfield, there were concerns that the absence of Bradley - who has been behind everything good that TFC has done to start the season - would have a dramatic impact on Torontos ability to compete against a slick Colorado side. Those concerns were alleviated by the performance of Canadian international, Kyle Bekker. Drafted third overall last season, Bekkers rookie year was not what he would have hoped. He struggled to find playing time, and in Ryan Nelsens opinion, had a tough time making the transition from college soccer star to reliable professional. Bekkers performances over the last two games (he started alongside Bradley in TFCs 2-0 win over Columbus the previous week) will go some way towards convincing Nelsen that Bekkers professional career is ready to take off. The midfielders passing was crisp and precise, and his positional awareness and defensive work - while not his strongest assets - were much improved over last season. One of Bekkers strengths is his set piece delivery, and on two occasions he rattled the woodwork with direct free kicks. Bekkers first effort in the 76th minute struck the base of the right post, and was just inches away from opening the scoring. The game turned little more than a minute later, as Colorado scored the only goal of the game. Toronto was solid defensively throughout the game, but got caught by a well-delivered ball to the back post for Dillon Serna. The youngster mis-hit a strike across goal, and the ensuing scramble saw the ball land at the feet of 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year, Dillon Powers, just inside the penalty area. At this stage, Toronto was well positioned to deal with Powers. There was lateral pressure coming from both Bekker and Issey Nakajima-Farran, with Mark Bloom directly in front. But Powers bumbled the ball past the challenge of Bloom, clearing room for a shot on goal. As a defender, one must prioritize threats on goal. The nearest defender must close down anyone with time and space to shoot inside the penalty area. The other defenders must then adjust to cover the next immediate threats. Steven Caldwell read the situation well, and as his momentum was in the direction of Powers, Caldwell left Edson Buddle to block the shot from Powers. It was a calculated risk from Caldwell, but it was the correct decision. Edson Buddle did what all good strikers do - he created space for himself in the penalty area by simply holding his run outside the six-yard box. The covering defender, Bradley Orr, is in the correct defensive position, as he also had to be able to intercept a ball across the six-yard box to Deshorn Brown, who was lurking at the far post. Buddle knew that if Powers could cut the ball back, he would have a shot on goal. When Powers cut back was successful, Orr immediately attempted to block Buddles shot - as did TFC goalkeeper, Julio Cesar - but Buddles effort slid under the keeper and into the back of the net. Apart from Bloom getting beaten by Powers just inside the penalty area, TFC defended this situation exactly as they should have. Unfortunately on this occasion, Colorados quality inside the penalty area was simply too good. I have been impressed with Colorado over the last two games, including a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps last week. José Mari looks like a fantastic addition to their midfield, and they move the ball around very well. They can over-narrow their midfield diamond at times, and exploiting the resulting space in wide areas will certainly be a key feature to focus on for any future opponents. The Positives Kyle Bekker put in a very solid performance, which will do his confidence a world of good. If he can continue to improve his positional awareness and general defensive responsibility, he will be a very valuable asset in Nelsens rejuvenated squad. The back four looked comfortable for most of the game - no mean feat, as Buddle and Gabriel Torres (as well as substitute, Deshorn Brown) offer a stern test. There were concerns going into the season about TFCs depth at centre back, but Bradley Orr proved that, while not his preferred position, he is more than capable of providing a solid alternative if the situation arises. The Negatives Perhaps it can be put down to unfamiliarity, but the partnership of Dwayne De Rosario and Gilberto didnt click. De Rosario is usually very tidy in possession, but far too often conceded the ball or gave it away through miscommunication with teammates. With options up front currently few and far between, this is a partnership that Nelsen will need to work if TFC is to be competitive in the absence of Jermain Defoe. The playing surface was infinitely better than it was back in March, when TFC defeated DC United in their home opener. (Credit to the BMO Field ground staff for working miracles during Torontos harsh weather.) But it still didnt lend itself to a slick, free-flowing passing game - something that both teams will prefer when the surface undoubtedly improves. The Star Man Few would argue that Bekker is deserving of a mention (which he is), but for me, Steven Caldwell put in an outstanding effort at the back. His distribution was precise, his positional awareness was superb, and time and time again he snuffed out dangerous situations before they could develop into goal scoring situations for Colorado. Dante Fabbro Jersey .Y. - Sven Andrighetto scored once and set up two more as the Hamilton Bulldogs hung on to defeat the host Adirondack Flames 5-3 on Tuesday in American Hockey League action. Colton Sissons Jersey . The Canadian defensive tackle suffered the injury on Monday and had tests done on Tuesday. He was a potential starter on the defensive line but head coach Mike OShea said he wasnt even thinking about the ratio when he got the news. http://www.authenticpredatorspro.com/Nick-bonino-predators-jersey/ .m. ET, CBSOPENING LINE — Colts by 5RECORD VS. SPREAD — Cincinnati 8-8, Indianapolis 11-5SERIES RECORD — Colts lead 18-10LAST MEETING — Colts beat Bengals 27-0, Oct.AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- LeBron James and Miami breezed through one big rematch. Now the Heat can prepare for another. James had 24 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, and Miami routed Detroit 110-95 on Sunday, avenging a home loss to the Pistons less than a week ago. Up next for the Heat is a game at Indiana on Tuesday. The Pacers have the NBAs best record -- and this will be the first meeting between the teams since Miamis seven-game victory in last seasons playoffs. "Theyre a great team right now, the way theyre playing," James said. "Were trying to get healthy, were trying to get to our full potential. Well see what we can do." First, the Heat had a score to settle against a Detroit team that won 107-97 at Miami on Tuesday. Ray Allen scored 18 points for the Heat, who were without Dwyane Wade on Sunday but still shot 56 per cent from the field and 11 of 28 from 3-point range. Miami took an early 16-5 lead, and although the Pistons fought back, the Heat went on a 13-2 run in the third quarter to make it 74-57. "They got us pretty good -- they beat up on us in Miami," James said. "To return the favour, we wanted to play much better against them this time." Miami looked motivated from the start. Allens 3-pointer made it 12-2, and although the Pistons steadied themselves momentarily, they could never tie it. Miami led 59-53 at halftime, and Mario Chalmers and Allen each made 3-pointers during the crucial run at the beginning of the third quarter. The Heat led 91-70 after three. "We knew that their focus was going to be higher, and you could see that at the beginning of the game and again in the third quarter. They were really able to push the ball off our missed shots and get some easy baskets," Pistons coach Maurice Cheeks said. "We knew what was coming after we beat them up there, but knowing they are going to be coming hard is one thing. Stopping them is something else." Andre Drummond had 19 points and 14 rebounds for Detroiit, which had its four-game winning streak snapped. Pekka Rinne Predators Jersey. The Pistons never showed any sign of slowing down Miami, and although they finished with 17 offensive rebounds, they never took full advantage of a potential edge inside. Detroit had a 21-6 edge in second-chance points, but that could have been far worse for the Heat against Drummond and Greg Monroe. "I thought we did a better job tonight versus last game of -- when they did get the ball, really wall them up and force them under the basket," Miamis Shane Battier said. "Those guys are pogo sticks, and not much you can do when theyre playing above the rim like that. But once they catch it, try to wall them up and keep them pinned to the baseline." The Pistons entered as NBA leaders in steals per game, and the Heat turned the ball over 10 times in the first half, but Miami took care of the ball better over the final two quarters, and its torrid shooting never really let up. The Miami bench scored 41 points on 15-of-24 shooting. Roger Mason Jr. had 12 points and Chris Andersen added 10. James, meanwhile, shot 10 of 15 from the field, although he did have six of Miamis 16 turnovers. Chris Bosh scored 16 points for the Heat. Brandon Jennings had 19 for the Pistons. "I didnt think we had enough energy tonight. When you are playing at home, you should have a ton of energy, and we didnt," Detroits Kyle Singler said. "We went in there and beat them a few days ago, so we knew they were going to want revenge tonight. They are tough when they play like that." Wade played in Miamis win over Minnesota on Saturday night, but coach Erik Spoelstra likes to rest him in back-to-backs to reduce the wear and tear on his knees. Heat forward Michael Beasley (left hamstring) and Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey (left knee) were also out. NOTES: Detroits last five-game winning streak was in December of 2009. ... Miami shot 65 per cent in the first half and was 5 of 12 from 3-point range. ' ' '