The Rapids of Colorado will seek their third victory on the road of the season when they visit a side of Houston Dynamo, gradually finding its place after a slow start.
The Colorado (4-2-2, 14 points) undoubtedly comes its most impressive result this campaign, a 3-2 home victory last weekend during a team of expansion of the FC of San Diego which exceeded the expectations by being equal to the third place of the Western Conference.
Rafael Navarro, Djordje Mihailovic and Darren Yapi scored for rapids, who attracted a little surprise using a 4-2-2-2 formation which clearly disturbed the rhythm of San Diego.
The manager of Colorado, Chris Armas, would not say if it was a switch or a wrinkle of a week. But while he is preparing to face an opponent stylistically similar to San Diego – a Houston team managed by his former teammate of the American national male team Ben Olsen – he says that rapids will focus on the disturbance of the quest for their opponent to hold possession.
“We have examined a few things this week, and no matter our principles do not change. Our behavior does not change what we do,” said Armas. “I don’t know if Ben Olsen listens there. My friend, we will come after you, guy. You are good, but that’s our way, brother. We are up to this challenge.”
Houston (1-4-3, 6 points) obtained consecutive positive results for the first time, a 1-0 home victory against Los Angeles FC, followed by a 1-1 draw in Los Angeles Galaxy last Saturday.
The Dynamo finally obtained a second goal for the Argentinian striker Ezequiel Ponce in the draw against the galaxy. The team has made some late additions in the primary transfer window which should facilitate the Ponce plus service.
Houston finally conceded an equalizer to the galaxy of 10 men after half-time. But Olsen said he felt encouraged that Ponce had remained more disciplined in the training of Dynamo and had been reimbursed with a goal.
“We asked (Ponce) to stay patient tonight in front of the goal and not come back,” said Olsen. “I am really happy for him and grateful that he was rewarded today. It was a very good team goal, and he was where he had to be. This is how he will score goals, and he must have confidence that we can put him in these places.”
– field level media