The Houston Dynamo play their 8th game since the start of April as they host the Colorado Rapids tonight at Shell Energy Stadium. Here’s what you need to know about this weekend’s matchup.

This isn’t the first time the Dynamo are playing the Rapids this season, they played just over a month ago at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. That game was one to forget for Houston as they scored two goals but conceded six in a game for just the third time in club history.

Since that game however, the Rapids have endured a tough MLS run against strong teams, losing at home to Inter Miami, then getting a draw at LAFC, before a loss at Vancouver last weekend. Colorado has also played two US Open Cup games in that span, beating USL sides Union Omaha and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. If both the Dynamo and the Rapids win their USOC quarterfinals on the 20th, then they will meet for a third time this year, at Colorado in September.

By The Numbers

As the Dynamo saw in Colorado, the Rapids are prolific in front of goal, they currently rank 4th in MLS in goals per game (2.2 goals). This is in part due to the Rapids ability to create big chances. They rank 4th in MLS with 17 big chances created. Brazilian striker Rafael Navarro has a MLS-most 10 goals and assists this season, with three of them coming against the Dynamo in that 6-2 rout.
Colorado have been a strong team on the press this year, winning the ball back 5.2 times per game in the final-third (4th in MLS). While being a great pressing team, the Rapids have also managed to hold 55.9% of possession in their games (5th in MLS).

Head Coach

Matt Wells

The second youngest coach in MLS at just 37-years-old, Wells came through Tottenham Hotspur’s youth ranks but never made a professional appearance due to injuries. This led to Wells looking at coaching at a very young age. He served as an assistant at both Fulham and Tottenham before replacing Chris Armas at Colorado last offseason. Wells has led the Rapids to a 6W-5L-1D record in all competitions.

Last Five Matches

April 14 - Colorado 1-0 Omaha (USOC)
April 18 - Colorado 2-3 Miami
April 22 - LAFC 0-0 Colorado
April 25 - Vancouver 3-1 Colorado
April 29 - Colorado 2-2 (5-4 PKs) Colorado Springs (USOC)

Last Match Staring XI (from Sofascore)

Here’s how Colorado lined up for their last MLS game, a 3-1 loss at Vancouver.

2026 Roster

Goalkeepers: Zack Steffen, Nicolas Hansen

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

Midfielders: Connor Ronan, Wayne Frederick, Ted Ku-Pietro, Wayne Frederick, Josh Atencio, Paxten Aaronsen, Hamzat Ojediran, Dante Sealy

Forwards: Alexis Manyoma, Georgi Minoungou, Bryce Jamison, Alex Harris, Kimani Stewart-Baynes, Darren Yapi, Sydney Wathuta, Mamadou Diop, Rafael Navarro

Enemy Scouting Report: Colorado Rapids

Redemption Night: Dynamo Host Rapids After 6-2 Defeat

Lessons Learned: Colorado Rapids