MLS Colorado Rapids

News & Notes for Matchday 25: Transfer Window News, Preparing for Houston

Published on July 13, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


The Rapids' next opponent is Houston Dynamo FC, with Saturday's matchup the first in a home and away series this season.

"They're very talented team, they have some really, really good players--Some good passers, guys who run behind good pace, good strength," said Head Coach Robin Fraser. "They're a team that is certainly a good team and with a number of good players that have whatever their form on the road has been. It doesn't really matter. I mean, at the end of the day, there are good players and a good team. well organized, and for us, we're gonna need to be sharp."

Houston sit in the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference standings, fresh off a 3-0 loss to Minnesota United FC on Wednesday night.

Transfer Window Tune In

In the past 8 days, the Rapids have acquired left back Andrew Gutman from Atlanta United and striker Rafael Navarro from SE Palmeiras. Gutman already has a full 90 minutes under his belt, contributing to Colorado's 2-1 come from behind win against FC Dallas, while Navarro has yet to touch down on Centennial State soil.

As far as the rest of the transfer window goes, Rapids President Pádraig Smith has plans in motion:

"What we're not going to do is make a short-term decision. Whoever we bring in has to be able to impact both now, but more importantly, into the future. So we're not going to rush this. There's one player in particular we are really keen on, we've had good dialogue so far, but it's not there and we're going to be willing to wait to get the right player. We're having discussions with a number of teams about both incoming and outgoing [movements]. We'll be as active as we feel as needed to make the team better."

Confidence Up Top

Defender Andreas Maxsø netted his first goal in burgundy on Saturday night after finding the end of a Connor Ronan corner kick. His 31st-minute header put the Rapids back in the game at 1-1 after going down early in the half. Winger Braian Galván contributed the Rapids' second goal in the 2-1 final result, his first since 2021. The Argentine found himself staring down FC Dallas keeper from the spot in the 62nd minute and calmly converted a Panenka for the game-winning goal.

"If you score a goal, you feel like you've made the ultimate contribution to your team," said Fraser. "I think for both guys, it was huge for their confidence. Maxsø was very good in the air, very good for him to score and then Braian, who is a a crafty type of player, it's great for him to score a goal took his penalty kick, obviously very well and very confidently, I think all these things only continue to boost their confidence."

"I mean, it has been easy, everybody's really helpful. For me, the most important is to to defend and of course, try to get as many clean sheets as soon as possible. But of course, scoring a goal is also nice. But again, the most important was the three points."

Return of Bombito

After a successful showing for his country at the Concacaf Gold Cup, defender Moïse Bombito returned to altitude on Tuesday for his first training session since his June 10 call-up. Bombito was brought into John Herdman's side ahead of Nations League after Derek Cornelius suffered a hamstring injury, but did not make an appearance for the Reds until Gold Cup competition began.

The Quebec native registered four appearances in the Gold Cup, making his debut in Canada's 2-2 draw with Guadeloupe to open the tournament. He started all four matches before being ousted by the United States in the quarterfinals.

Bombito is available for the Rapids' contest with Houston on Saturday.

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 13, 2023


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