Sat. Nov 23rd, 2024
rapids Dynamo preview
Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken.

HOUSTON, Texas – Inclement weather postponed the most recent Colorado Rapids game. Stop me if you’ve heard that before. Chris Little and the Burgundy Boys will have the advantage of fresher legs when they take on the recently crowned Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup champion, Houston Dynamo.  

When: Saturday, October 7th @ 6:30 pm MDT

Where: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas

TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Rapids Dynamo Preview:

The Rapids were able to overcome Austin FC in their last match, marking interim head coach Chris Little’s second win since taking over from Robin Fraser. 

Cole Bassett has three goals and one assist in his last five games. The homegrown midfielder has enjoyed a renaissance under Little and will be looking to continue his good form on Saturday. 

Toronto FC’s horrendous form means that they are the sole proprietors of the Wooden Spoon as it stands. The Rapids sit on 26 points, four more than Toronto, and with a game in hand as well. Colorado isn’t out of the woods just yet, but their lead looks comfortable with only three games remaining in 2023 for them, two for TFC. 

Colorado Rapids vs Houston Dynamo Head to Head:

Houston and Colorado are well acquainted foes, having played 31 MLS matches, beginning in 2008. Their most recent meeting was a 0-0 draw at DSG in July.

Houston has won six games in the series, while the Rapids have won 13. All three of their most recent encounters have ended in a draw.

A Look at the Dynamo’s Threats:

Houston’s most recognizable player is undoubtedly Mexican international Héctor Herrera. The former Porto and Atletico Madrid midfielder has been in scintillating form this season and currently captains the side. 

Herrera was named as an MLS All-Star in 2023, and in doing so, became the first Dynamo player to receive a selection since 2018. 

The recently revealed MLS MVP nominee list included both Herrera and his midfield partner, Artur. The Brazilian has been a mainstay this season and recently scored his first goal for the club against Montreal. 

Corey Baird and Amine Bassi have been the danger men going forwards for Houston, with seven goals and nine goals, respectively.  

Dynamo’s Recent Form: 

With only two games remaining in their regular season, Saturday night will be a must win for Ben Nelson’s men, as they look to avoid falling into the wild card places. 

Houston has only lost one of their last 10 games, and drew Montreal 1-1 in their last game on Wednesday.

Shell Energy Stadium has been a fortress for Houston this season, having won 10 of their fourteen matches at home. Colorado will be aiming to join Seattle and Minnesota as the only teams to snatch three points on the road against the Dynamo. 

The Dynamo sit sixth, holding a three point lead over eight-placed San Jose, and could rise all the way up to second place should results go their way in the final two games. 

Do It for the Fans:

There are several scenarios at play on Saturday in regards to the Wooden Spoon. 

With a Toronto loss, the Rapids won’t need to pick up any points to escape the bottom. A Rapids victory would render Toronto’s result futile as well. If TFC draws, Colorado would need to pick up at least a point to prevent the race from continuing. 

The Canadians will travel to New York to take on the Red Bulls, in a game where the hosts will be desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

The Colorado Rapids’ pride will be at stake in Houston on Saturday. The entire club owes it to the fans to continue to finish the season on a strong note. Several players will also be trying to prove their worth to the front office, as significant roster turnover is expected in the offseason. 

A positive result against one of the stronger sides in MLS would go a long way towards realizing those goals.

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken.

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