Houston Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids Preview: Rapids Bring Leaky Defense

Brace yourselves, the Colorado Rapids are travelling to Houston this weekend for their first MLS matchup against the Dynamo this season. This is the first half of a home-and-home between the two sides. The series will conclude on October 23 along with the 2016 regular season. The Dynamo have been lucky to have dodged the surprise Western Conference heavyweights so far this season.

The Rapids are not playing at quite the same level as during their 11 game unbeaten streak early in the season, but they are still 2nd in the West and within striking distance of the Supporters Shield. Houston fans would surely love to see the Rapids knock FCD out of the top spot, but not at their team’s own expense. Looking at the table it’s clear that Colorado has been a much better team this season. Behind the veteran leadership of Jermaine Jones the club has come virtually from out of nowhere in 2016 to already be locked into a playoff spot, and likely a first round bye as well. But, when you take a closer look, maybe this club hasn’t been playing quite so well after all. Or, at least, they haven’t been playing much better than the Dynamo.

Going back to June 7 (heretofore referenced as Wade Barrett Day or WBD) the Rapids have only scored 15 goals, just two shy of the number they’ve conceded. Guess who else has posted those same numbers. Yup. While the Dynamo have been fairly consistent between home and away games in that span, the Rapids decidedly have not.

Goal Performance since WBD (link)

While allowing a league low 2 goals at home, the Rapids have been gashed on the road for a total of 15. What does this mean? The Dynamo are going to win? Well, no, not necessarily, but it certainly means that they have a strong chance to earn some points. And that would be counted as a positive sign from this team. Sitting on the other end of the table the Dynamo put together a two game win streak for the first time this season, only to have that streak promptly ended during a recent loss to NYCFC. While already slim, the loss all but slammed the door on Houston’s playoff chances. Yes, that was still possible. And actually still is, but only if the team wins out and even then they still need a lot of help. In the twilight of this 2016 season the team has been focusing on other goals and have seen some successes. The Rapids ought to be favored in this one and for good reason. But we’ve seen a Dynamo team on the upswing lately, and one that knows how to protect its home turf.

Watch the Dynamo take on the Rapids at BBVA Compass Stadium Saturday, October 8th at 7:30 pm.