Previewing Houston Dynamo vs Colorado Rapids with Burgundy Wave
(image via Mark Shaiken/burgundywave.com)
The Houston Dynamo return to Shell Energy Stadium tomorrow, looking to find another home win. We talked to our friend Matt Pollard from Burgundy Wave to get some insight on the Colorado Rapids ahead of Saturday’s match.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): There were a lot of questions when Chris Armas was named Rapids head coach but once again Colorado is off to a good start. What has made Armas and the Rapids such a great fit, so far?
Burgundy Wave (BW): I'm not sure anyone in the Rapids Community liked this hire but Chris Armas continues to prove us wrong 18 months later. I think the lessons and failures from Toronto and England did Armas well. He's evolved tactically and has shown that he's more than just a product of the Red Bulls global style of play. He's also endeared himself to everyone at and around the club. "His energy is infectious," as President Pádraig Smith likes to say. He loves working with young players. The team has bought in. He rebuilt the culture within a few months last year. He also cares so much for the fanbase. The second year manager goes to supporter events and talks to everyone. He sat there and took it when a fan was upset and wanted to yell at him. He makes sure players clap after home games. He wasn't a Rapids guy, he's a New Yorker. But he's taken the time to get us. His tactics and emphasis on youth development fit the game model and he's a breath of fresh air personality wise for everyone in Commerce City.
BCS: Rafael Navarro and Djordje Mihailovic are proving to be a dangerous 1-2 punch on offense. How has the chemistry been so good for them early in the season and how high are the expectations for them in 2025?
BW: Both players picked up right where they left off after last season. Mihailovic is the focal point of the offense. If he's playing well, the team gets chances and can win. There's been some poor performances on the road this year. That's usually been when Colorado can't hold onto the ball (everyone's fault) or the connection between Mihailovic and Navarro is disrupted. Djordje can do his thing independent of what's going on around him. Navarro needs help. Rafa's a one-man wrecking crew in the press. He does the dirty work you'd want a center forward to do (very Will Bruin). That's valuable but hasn't led to goals for him. It's tough when he's matched up against multiple center backs with limited service. When Mihailovic is creating chances for himself and Navarro, they can beat anyone in MLS. Last game was really interesting seeing Armas start Darren Yapi as a second striker. It helped Navarro a lot but shape wise was different for Mihailovic. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a pressing 4-4-2 on Saturday.
BCS: We have seen Zack Steffen seem to return to his old ways of being one of the better goalkeepers in the country. What has changed for Steffen and how has he managed to find "it" again in Colorado?
BW: It's so cathartic to see Steffen getting his due in MLS circles and with the national team. Last year was a rough start. The team was scoring a lot and conceding a lot. Several of those blowouts weren't Zack's fault. He rounded into form midsummer and thrived during Leagues Cup. Was the MVP of multiple PK shootouts including against Club America. As a new father, he's settled on and off the field. Rapids goalkeeper coach Chris Sharpe (who coached Tim Howard) is getting the best out of him. He got back to playing well out of the back last year. Now the shot stopping is back. Colorado tweaked a few things defensively as well: Shape of the rest defense, how high the line is, etc. It suits him. If he keeps this up, he'll compete for Goalkeeper of the Year and might be the starter at the Gold Cup.
BCS: The Rapids are 5th in the Western Conference table but have allowed the fourth highest xG in the West this season. Has the defense struggled to find form early on and is this, once again, showing how important Steffen is?
BW: Yes and no. Steffen is crushing the Post Shot Expected Goals (PSxG) stat this year, something he was league bottom in last year. He's why they won that 3-2 game at San Jose a few weeks ago. That said, Colorado's conceded lots of xG in bunches. They've been inconsistent game-to-game. They lost 3-0 to Portland then beat Charlotte 2-0 the next week. That road game against Vancouver could have been 4-0. When the Rapids are bad, they're noncompetitive. The xG battle reflects that. Armas is still trying to find what works consistently shape and formation wise. Once that three man midfield of Bassett, Larraz, and Atencio (or a variation of it) gets worked out, that will shield the back line better, thus limiting chances.
BCS: Who are some other players on this Rapids team that Dynamo fans may not know about but should keep an eye on this weekend?
BW: Houston did not play Cincinnati last year, so I'll go with Chido Awaziem. Do it all center back. Very physical. Doesn't mind a race to the ball or a 1-v-1. Can be good in possession. He's a vibe. Helped create the second goal last week, Colorado's first goal off a corner this year. Watch out for set pieces. The other would be Oli Larraz. Ginger midfielder. Played with Bassett in the academy. He's been inconsistent. But he's lively, has become more physical when needed, and is silky smooth on the ball. Rapids fans have nicknamed him the Denver De Bruyne.
BCS: Are there any notable injuries for Colorado?
BW: You might remember that 6°F Conca Champions game Colorado played against LAFC back in February. That week saw a bunch of players get muscle injuries. Two months later, the team's mostly healthy. The one big question mark is Connor Ronan, the veteran number. 8. He got injured during that cold spell then had appendicitis a few weeks ago. He's scheduled to be back this week. Larraz has been up and down. If Ronan's good to go, he'll be a ~60th minute sub for Larraz. If he's out, Colorado will be thin and inexperienced in midfield.
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We want to thank Matt for his time and wish our friends in Colorado the best of luck tomorrow.
