Previewing Houston Dynamo vs. the Colorado Rapids with Burgundy Wave

The Houston Dynamo are coming off a convincing win over Minnesota United FC and hope to take that momentum on the road as they travel to Dick’s Sporting Good Park to take on the Colorado Rapids. The Dynamo have already bested the Rapids once this season in a 2-0 win at BBVA Compass Stadium and they’ll look to continue their form against the Rapids.

In our preview of the match we discussed the previous fixtures for each side, but we wanted insight on our opponents so we spoke with John Rosch at Burgundy Wave to learn more.

Dynamo Theory: In the last meeting between the Dynamo and Rapids we saw the Rapids essentially sitting back for 90 minutes which let the Dynamo control the game almost exclusively in the Rapids’ half of the field. What kind of style of play can we expect from the Rapids this time around?

Burgundy Wave: To be honest, I don’t expect much a change at all. The Rapids believe that they can win a match by controlling possession from the back and attacking on the counter. The problem with that is that they have zero threat up front and struggle mightily in the final third. Unfortunately, the Rapids are relying on Tim Howard and the defense to hold the line and that only works for so long before cracks eventually begin to show and the Rapids find themselves down a goal.

The other challenge is that when they do have a lead they lack a collective mental fortitude to hold that lead.

In short, I expect the Rapids to sit deep and absorb pressure from Houston and hope for a draw at home.

DT: Since the last meeting the Rapids have collected a record of 2-2-1 with both losses being by just a single goal. Have you noticed any improvement and which areas have led to the Rapids being in closer games?

BW: No. The wins were flawed, and deserve deeper examination. They defeated a poor Vancouver team on an own goal and played one of the worst defensive teams in MLS in Minnesota United and scored on the last kick of the game. The Rapids are truly a dumpster fire and the last game against Montreal was a microcosm of their season: two shots on goal. Total. In a 90 minute game.

DT: At 15 points and 18 games in, it’s pretty safe to say that this just isn’t the Rapids’ season. While a turnaround is possible, it could be wishful thinking. What do you want to see from the club for the remainder of the 2018 campaign?

BW: I love the optimism, but a turnaround is not possible. The front office has zero clue what they are doing and are begging for answers in a league that demands quick thinking and doesn’t wait for help. The Rapids are a rudderless ship and the sad thing is, the Front Office doesn’t care. They are tone deaf to the needs of the franchise and believe their flawed and dated system will work in MLS. The front office has ruined a once proud franchise and has turned it into nothing better than an NPSL team

For the rest of the season, I would love to see some sort of progress. I would love an admission from the Front Office or Ownership that they have made a mistake and clean house. We have a terrible and over the hill player at GK and play 5-7 defenders a match. The season is lost...try something new.

Projected Lineup: 5-4-1

Howard, Smith, Sjoberg, Ford, Wynne, Blomberg, Wilson, Price, Nicholson, Hairston, Badji

Predicted Outcome: Houston 3:0 Colorado

For excellent content on the Colorado Rapids please check out John’s posts and everything else at the Burgundy Wave!