Previewing Houston Dynamo at Colorado Rapids with Burgundy Wave
(image via Colorado Rapids)
The Houston Dynamo head to the Rockies for tomorrow night’s match. We talked to our friend Matt Pollard from Burgundy Wave to get some insight on the Colorado Rapids ahead of the match.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): The Houston Dynamo recently signed former Rapids defender Sam Vines. He made his debut last week in a brief appearance but what can you tell Dynamo fans about Vines and what he can bring to this team?
Burgundy Wave (BW): It's been a rough few years for Sam Vines. He was flying high in 2021 but his years at Royal Antwerp didn't work out. He came back at the start of 2024 and never regained his 2021 form. He was a defensive liability for much of the time. He contributed little offensively. It didn't help that Chris Armas mostly played a back four while Vines was at his best with three center backs behind him.
I think a fresh start somewhere else is needed. An old school coach in Ben Olsen should be able to get something out of him. I'd just like to see him get minutes and look like the two-way "Vinesback" that was so fun to watch in 2021. Really curious to see how fans react to his return on Saturday. The east stand at DSGP has a history of booing the opposing left back.
BCS: Former Tottenham Hotspur assistant Matt Wells has taken over as head coach in Colorado. What have you seen early on from Wells in how he likes to play and what are the expectations for him this season?
BW: Take away the decision to trade Cole Bassett and Matt Wells has been a fantastic hire. He has really interesting tactical ideas that fit the team and he's getting more out of young players. Wells is such a clear communicator as well, which has really helped. There's clear patterns to what they do in the press. The team is getting fit after the hardest preseason for most of their careers and some new fitness staff coming over from England. They're trying to do some complicated things building out of the back, which I'm not sold on yet.
Expectation wise, the Rapids haven't won a playoff game since 2016. After missing the playoffs on Decision Day last year, finishing 9th and winning the wild card game would be an improvement. Beyond that, I want this hire to break the cycle the Rapids have been in going back to Pablo Mastroeni. Have sustained success that you build on. If you make a big sale, don't fall off a cliff. looks at Lucas Herrington EPL rumors
BCS: Colorado's duo of Paxten Aaronson and Rafael Navarro both have 3 goals each this season. What has clicked for them this season that has made them so dangerous?
BW: I wouldn't say they've clicked specifically with each other. Rafa Navarro has been himself with good support around him. Paxten Aaronson is just more comfortable now that he's in his first full season with the team.
Navarro is one of the best pressing 9s in MLS. He's been great in the link up play this season with his back to goal, with Aaronson and others. He's almost become a playmaker rather than a goalscorer. Aaronson has been great the last three games where he's spent more time as a left winger than a dribbling midfielder. Both are finding space to do good work on the ball. The goals are a byproduct of making the teamwork rather than just them finishing chances.
BCS: On the other end of the field, we saw Zack Steffen's howler last week but the Rapids have given up 10 goals in 6 matches. What has been the story defensively, so far, and how can they improve?
BW: That own goal was Zack Steffen's worst moment of his Rapids career. Even without it, the first goal he gave up to start the Toronto comeback wasn't great. It's a worrying trend of him giving up soft goals going back to last year. Throw that game out, none of the goals this season have been his fault. I would be surprised but not shocked if Nico Hansen started this game.
The defense is a work in progress, due to new players and playing out of the back. Reggie Cannon has an Achilles injury so they're lacking depth. Thus, the Kosi Thompson trade on deadline day. They've also got a new center back in Lucas Herrington and defensive midfielder in Hamzat Ojediran. Both are great but everyone's still getting familiar. When they've made mistakes playing out of the back, it's led to turnovers and chances. If Houston presses well, it could be tough.
BCS: The Rapids have played a number of young players this season. What have you seen from these young guys early on and who has stood out?
BW: Herrington and Darren Yapi have been fantastic. Yapi was a great backup striker last season but has been deployed as a winger this year and looked really good. With Navarro playing almost as a false 9, Yapi's become a target winger if that makes any sense. He's been direct and clinical on goal.
Herrington has been great as an 18-year-old Colorado scouted out of Australia. He makes things look like slow motion on the ball. Great defensively. Good on set pieces. Just got his first senior cap for the Socceroos. There's a chance he makes the World Cup roster for them.
BCS: Does Colorado have any injury concerns heading into this match and what do you expect to see for a starting eleven?
BW: I mentioned Reggie Cannon. He's probably out. Connor Ronan and Ted Ku-DiPietro missed the last game as well. They might be back but they've been subs this year anyways.
The big question is at fullback. With Cannon injured and red cards to both left backs at Toronto, they're thin. Keegan Rosenberry will for sure start. Kosi Thompson is now available for selection. I think he starts too, maybe a center back plays out of position at full back. Likely Noah Cobb. Expect an R2 player on the bench on a short term callup.
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We want to thank Matt for his time and wish our friends in Denver the best of luck tomorrow night.
