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MLS Colorado Rapids

Preview: Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo

September 9, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


After back-to-back draws the Colorado Rapids are seeking their first regular season win since Week 2, but they'll have to cool off the red-hot Houston Dynamo, who take a three-game winning streak to Dick's Sporting Goods Park Wednesday night. 

The Rapids (2W-3L-3D) rallied to earn a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes, which came on the heels of another 1-all stalemate against Sporting KC, while the Dynamo (3W-2L-4D) extended an unbeaten streak to five matches following a 2-1 win over SKC on the weekend. 

Colorado have won eight of the 16 all-time home contests in this series, but Houston enjoyed a 4-1 victory in their last trip to Commerce City last March with Alberth Elis playing a part in all four goals, two of which resulted in own goals.

Colorado Rapids

Need a big goal in a key spot? More often than not over the course of a long, stellar career, Kei Kamara has delivered. That was true Saturday night when the ageless Kamara struck for the late equalizer after the league's all-time goals leader, Chris Wondolowski, put the Quakes in front from the penalty spot earlier in the second half. 

It was Kamara's 129th MLS regular season goal, placing him fifth on the all-time scoring charts.

"I think with Kei you have to start with genetics," Rapids coach Robin Fraser said of the 36-year-old striker. "He's obviously physically gifted. At his age, he's as strong as can be. He's still fast, good timing, good jumper. He's definitely blessed with good genes. And he takes very good care of himself. On top of that, he's become a student of the game as he's gone through it for so long. So, if you're an intelligent player and you take care of yourself, and you have good genes, you can have a long career.

"I think he still has plenty to give."

Updated team roster

Injury Report:

OUT: Kortne Ford (D) - knee injury

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: None

International duty: None

Houston Dynamo

It feels like whoever Tab Ramos calls on, especially in the attacking third, they deliver for the first-year coach. It's been Christian Ramirez, Ariel Lassiter and Niko Hansen filling in for injured stars and on Saturday night, it was the usual suspects who delivered the goods as Elis and Mauro Manotas struck for second half goals. 

"I obviously always get happy when our team scored, period. In particular, I like when the forwards score," Ramos said. "In Mauro's case, I know how much it means for a center forward to score a goal, and how it carries the forward for games sometimes when they get a big goal. If you're a defender or a midfielder and get a goal, you get excited and everything is fine, and it's a good thing. When you're a center forward and score a goal, it makes you better. It gives you confidence, and I'm happy that Mauro was the one who scored tonight."   

Updated team roster

Injury Report:

OUT: Michael Salazar (F) - right knee injury

QUESTIONABLE: Mauro Manotas (F) - right thigh injury

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: None

International duty: None

Series Matchup at Rapids

Rapids: 8 wins, 20 goals

Dynamo: 4 wins, 14 goals

4 draws

Officials

Referee: : Fotis Bazakos

Assistant Referees: Brian Poeschel, Jason White

4th Official: Ramy Touchan

VAR: Malik Badawi

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