Game Preview: Houston Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids are in Houston tonight, as they look to keep from breaking a club record of seven losses in a row. Five of the seven games saw the Rapids lose by just one goal, but without that attacking offense that fans were promised, the streak could continue. It doesn’t help that the Burgundy Boys will be without Dominique Badji for this game, as he has to sit out for picking up too many yellow cards.

In the past, the Rapids have been able to bag points against the Houston Dynamo with an overall record of 11-8-7, but only have won three times in the bottom of the Lone Star State. Normally fans would like to hang on to the history, especially when this team has an edge in the overall record, but nothing is a given this season.

A few fresh legs are expected to be on the pitch tonight, and not just because Badji has to stay home. Hopefully Axel Sjoberg is back from concussion protocol and Kortne Ford is still very close—but not quite ready—to return to the starting lineup. Marlon Hairston returned to the lineup on Wednesday in the Open Cup loss, so hopefully he is fit enough to go tonight.

Houston is coming off its first losing streak of the MLS regular season (two games), but their 5-0 Open Cup win still might be enough to keep them motivated. It’s unlikely that Rapids fans will see the golden locks of Jared Watts, as he is listed out with a concussion. Midfielder Darwin Ceren is also a notable injury to the Dynamo and defender Philippe Senderos is listed as questionable. These absences could mean that there are holes in Houston’s armor.

Predicted starting XI: Tim Howard, Deklan Wynne, Axel Sjoberg, Tommy Smith, Marlon Hairston, Enzo Martinez, Jack Price, Johan Blomberg, Edgar Castillo, Yannick Boli, Joe Mason

Injuries/Suspensions

Colorado

OUT: D - Kortne Ford (left MCL sprain)

QUESTIONABLE: D - Marlon Hairston (right knee surgery), D - Axel Sjoberg (concussion)

Suspended: F - Dominique Badji

Suspended after next caution: None

International duty: None

Houston

OUT: A.J. DeLaGarza (torn left ACL), D - George Malki (left knee sprain), D - Dylan Remick (concussion), D - Jared Watts (concussion), M - Darwin Ceren (leg injury), M - Juan David Cabezas (left quad injury)

QUESTIONABLE: D - Philippe Senderos (right hamstring injury)

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: M - Tomas Martinez, F - Alberth Elis

International duty: D - Adolfo Machado

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Saturday, June 9th at 7pm MST

Venue: BBVA Compass Stadium - Houston, Texas

TV Information: AltitudeTV

Radio: Altitude950

Live Stream: ESPN+ (subscription required)

C38 Watch Parties: Celtic on Market (Denver), Mudrock’s Tap & Tavern (Louisville)