After a 1-0 loss to Seattle, the Houston Dynamo look to bounce back against a Colorado Rapids side coming off a chaotic road defeat to Toronto, where defensive errors and two red cards turned a winnable match into a collapse.

Colorado remain inconsistent but dangerous, capable of creating chances and scoring in bursts, but also prone to lapses when games open up or become chaotic. Rafael Navarro is their main attacking outlet, a physical striker who thrives inside the box and punishes poor marking. Paxten Aaronson adds creativity and energy in midfield, operating between the lines and driving play forward.

For Houston, the focus will be staying compact, disciplined, and limiting turnovers that allow Colorado to transition and build momentum.

Key Players

Rafael Navarro

The Brazilian striker has three goals and two assists this season. He scored at Shell Energy Stadium last season in a 2-2 draw. The Dynamo back three will have their hands full with Navarro getting service from the talented playmakers around him.

Paxten Aaronson

Aaronson is tied with Navarro for the team lead with three goals this season. The 22-year-old has thrived since coming back to MLS from his time in Europe. Hopefully Jack McGlynn is back healthy for the Dynamo so we can see these two friends go at it in midfield.

Lucas Herrington

At just 18-years-old, the Australian center back has been a revelation for Colorado this season after joining from Brisbane Roar in his home country. Herrington stands at 6 foot 4 and is a physical presence on the back line. He’s played every minute this season in the Rapids new 3-4-3 configuration.

Head Coach

Matt Wells

Wells joined the Rapids this offseason from Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League where he served as an assistant coach. He’s also coached at Fulham, Bournemouth, and Club Brugge in Belgium. Wells has implemented a 3-4-3 system in Colorado, taking advantage of some talented young players. Herrington (18), Wayne Frederick (21), Jackson Travis (22), Dante Sealy (22), Hamzat Ojediran (22), and Aaronson (22) all started for Colorado in their last match, signaling a youth movement for the Rapids under Wells.

Last Five Matches

February 28 - Colorado 2-0 Portland
March 7 - Colorado 4-1 LA Galaxy
March 14 - NYCFC 3-1 Colorado
March 21 - Sporting KC 1-4 Colorado
April 4 - Toronto 3-2 Colorado

Last Match Staring XI (from Fotmob)

Here’s how Colorado lined up for their last game, a 3-2 loss at Toronto.

2026 Roster

Goalkeepers: Zack Steffen, Adam Beaudry, Nicolas Hansen

Defenders: Keegan Rosenberry, Reggie Cannon, Rob Holding, Ian Murphy, Lucas Herrington, Noah Cobb, Miguel Navarro, Jackson Travis, Loic Williams, Kosi Thompson

Midfielders: Hamzat Ojediran, Paxten Aaronson, Alexis Manyoma, Josh Atencio, Wayne Frederick, Ali Fadal, Connor Ronan, Ted Ku-DiPietro

Forwards: Dante Sealy, Rafael Navarro, Alex Harris, Bryce Jamison. Mamadou Billo Diop, Kimani Stewart-Baynes, Donovan Phillip, Sydney Wathuta, Darren Yapi, Georgi Minoungou

Enemy Scouting Report - Colorado Rapids

Three Players to Watch: Colorado Rapids