Player Ratings: Colorado Falls on the Road in Houston, Unable to Score in Game of Small Margins

Houston, TX- It was a game of small margins for the Colorado Rapids, who fell 1-0 on the road against the Houston Dynamo. Despite Matt Well’s side dominating possession again, a moment of brilliance from Lawrence Ennali was the difference in a compact, cagey affair. 

It was the first reverse fixture of the season for Colorado, having beaten Houston 6-2 at home last month. This time, the Dynamo were much more compact and caused a lot of issues for the Burgundy Boys. 

The loss means one point in four games and three goals in four MLS games. The poor road record also continued for Colorado. It was a frustrating night, where Colorado didn’t find a lot of opportunities and struggled on the attacking phases. 

Colorado turns its focus to St. Louis in a week, which gives some much needed rest to a hurting squad. 

Zack Steffen 

A tough night for Steffen. The discussion continues about Nico Hansen’s recent performances and a clear drop in quality from Steffen. Against Houston, he looked unsure about himself at times, and had shaky distribution moments. There wasn’t much he could’ve done on the goal, it was an absolute screamer, but there’s some clear confidence issues. 5/10

Kosi Thompson

With the clear lack of depth, and a lot of guys missing, Wells was clear about the lack of team balance and guys playing out of position in the post game presser. For Thompson, he effectively was a winger and wing back throughout the night. That’s a lot to ask. He did well defensively and offered a lot going forward. 6/10

Rob Holding 

Hopefully, the injury is nothing too serious for Holding. He had a good 30 minutes on the pitch. He stifled Houston’s counter attacking and progressed the ball at the correct tempo and rhythm to break down Houston’s compactness. It was a game of small margins, and unfortunately, his injury meant an early exit in the 33rd minute. 7/10

Lucas Herrington 

Defensively, Colorado had a good performance. It was clearly a different Houston side that offered a lot more counters and good moments of individual brilliance. Herrington had several key stops, looked composed in possession, and brought the energy to win the game on the night. To be critical, at times the Rapids backline can take some more risks to generate attacks. 7/10

Miguel Navarro 

Navarro was also asked to do a lot out wide in both phases of the field. Navarro had a good performance. In buildup, he found gaps in Houston’s shape that led to good chances at the goal. Defensively, he dealt with Mateusz Bogusz and the Dynamo’s front line brilliantly. Again, what more can the wingbacks offer offensively? 6/10

Hamzat Ojediran

I was impressed with Ojediran. On a night where Colorado clearly struggled in the midfield with injuries early on, guys playing out of position, and a lack of quality, Ojediran held the midfield together. He had some brilliant moments on the ball and was defensively sound. As much as the focus is on the offense, Ojediran continues to impress. 6/10 man-of-the-match

Josh Atencio

An early end to a good night for Atencio. He arrived in dangerous pockets and built Colorado’s attack multiple times. He was composed on the ball in the midfield, and clearly missed from the middle after his injury. Hopefully nothing serious as Atencio suffered a head injury in the 39th minute. 7/10

Alexis Manyoma

Manyoma was essentially playing the role of Wayne Frederick and Paxten Aaronson against Houston. The effort shown was positive on the night, but offensively, Colorado must change something. In a game of small margins, individual brilliance is paramount. Tonight, Manyoma didn’t have it. He came off at the hour. 6/10

Dante Sealy

Offensively, it’s the same discussion around Sealy. He was brilliant at times and took players on. He caused a lot of issues and nearly got himself on the scoresheet early on in the second half with a glaring header. Sealy was a bright spot offensively, but it’s clear there’s a next level. 7/10

Rafael Navarro 

For much of the season the Rapids offense have gone through Navarro, but tonight there wasn’t as much checking down into pockets and really causing issues. Some of this might have been thanks to Houston’s compactness, but in a game of small margins, the individual brilliance has to show. A top class effort but a frustrating night. 6/10

Darren Yapi

Yapi had some chances out wide. In a striker partnership with Navarro, I expected a lot more danger up top, but with the lack of quality and creativity it was never easy. Houston made it really difficult for Colorado to generate opportunities. For Yapi, he looked dynamic, but not as clinical. He came off in the 81st minute. 6/10

Substitutes 

Noah Cobb

Came on in the 33rd minute for the injured Holding. Defensively, a solid showing and something to be proud about. He was composed on the ball and split lines with forward passing. Expect Cobb to fill in for Holding should the injury be serious. 7/10

Paxten Aaronson 

A surprising substitution and probably one that was less ideal for Wells due to Aaronson’s lingering injuries. He’s had a lot of minutes, but he still delivered a solid showing despite the injury and close match. He injected a lot of energy and nearly got the equalizer late on. On the Houston goal, he has to close the space a lot sooner. 6/10

Georgi Minoungou

Coming into the match as questionable, Minoungou entered in the 58th minute for Manyoma. Out of ideas, Wells wanted to get some individual brilliance on the field to tip a tight match. Minoungou offered 1-v-1 quality and increased some attacking quality. 7/10

Billo Diop, Kimani Stewart-Baynes, Jackson Travis subbed on too late to be judged fairly

Matt Wells

A frustrating night for Wells and the Rapids in a game of small margins. Fixture congestion has become a real issue for the Rapids. In a tough moment, Wells has to come up with unique ways to fight against the injuries and depth of Colorado. 

Against Houston, there wasn’t enough creativity in the final third or attacking threat. It’s clear injuries are catching up, and Colorado is in the thick of it. 

Luckily, the Rapids have a week off and a chance to respond. It isn’t fair to judge a manager off a lack of depth or an injury ridden squad. 

Now, it’s time to learn if the Rapids have the character to climb out of a hole. 

Additionally, Wells showed his humanity by recognizing Ryan Sabin in the post game presser. Even in a tough moment, Rapids fans can at least appreciate the kindness and humanity of Wells. 6/10

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