Game Preview & Starting XI: Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo

The Houston Dynamo come to town as the Colorado Rapids look to snag their first win of the 2019 season. The Rapids need to get three points today in order to keep up with the pack in the standings. Houston sits in 3rd, where a win could see them move to the top. The Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, and San Jose Earthquakes have yet to win so far this season, so in order to stay above them, the Rapids will need to win today.

The Dynamo’s head coach is Wilmer Cabrera, who was an assistant coach for the Rapids before taking over at Chivas for their last year in the league. He took over Houston in 2016, but even with his experience, Houston has not won in Colorado since 2008. Overall, the Rapids are 11-9-8 against the Dynamo, with 8 of those wins coming at home. Hopefully, the trend will continue today and we will see the flair and creativity that comes when the Rapids dominate possession.

Injuries and suspensions shouldn’t have too much of an impact on this game. Houston’s main injury concern is Demarcus Beasley, who is out after having knee surgery. As for the Rapids, Kortne Ford is still out and training on the sidelines at practice. Sam Nicholson is questionable with a quad injury and so is Niki Jackson, with a hip injury. Diego Rubio returns from international duty, so he will likely start.

Above all the other reasons for the Rapids to get a win today, the team could use a win as a springboard into the coming weeks. The schedule ahead for the Rapids is a bit scary and to grab a win at home—against a team who has not won here in 11 years—is vital.

Starting XI: Tim Howard; Keegan Rosenberry, Tommy Smith, Axel Sjoberg, Dillon Serna; Benny Feilhaber, Jack Price, Nicolas Mezquida, Cole Bassett; Kei Kamara, Diego Rubio

Officials

Referee: Marcos DeOliveira

Assistant Referees: Jose Da Silva, Eduardo Mariscal

4th Official: Tim Ford

VAR: Luis Guardia

Colorado

Out: Kortne Ford (knee)

Questionable: Sam Nicholson (quad), Niki Jackson (hip)

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: None

International duty: None

Houston

Out: Eric Bird (left ankle), Juan David Cabezas (right thigh), DaMarcus Beasley (left knee surgery)

Questionable: Romell Quioto (right knee)

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. MT

Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park — Commerce City, CO

TV Information: Altitude

Radio: 92.5 FM

Streaming: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ (US), DAZN (Canada)