The Colorado Rapids will look for their third road win of the season when they visit a Houston Dynamo side gradually finding its footing following a slow start.
Colorado (4-2-2, 14 points) is coming off arguably its most impressive result this campaign, a 3-2 home victory last weekend over an expansion San Diego FC side that has exceeded expectations by being tied for third place in the Western Conference.
Rafael Navarro, Djordje Mihailovic and Darren Yapi scored for the Rapids, who pulled a bit of a surprise by using a 4-2-2-2 formation that clearly disrupted San Diego's rhythm.
Colorado manager Chris Armas wouldn't say whether that was a switch or a one-week wrinkle. But as he prepares to face an opponent stylistically similar to San Diego -- a Houston side managed by his former U.S. men's national team teammate Ben Olsen -- he says either way, the Rapids will focus on disrupting their opponent's quest to hold possession.
"We've looked at a few things this week, and regardless, our principles don't change. Our behaviors don't change what we do," Armas said. "I don't know if Ben Olsen's listening over there. My friend, we're going to come after you, man. You guys are good, but that's our way, brother. We're up to that challenge."
Houston (1-4-3, 6 points) is coming off consecutive positive results for the first time, a 1-0 home win over Los Angeles FC followed by a 1-1 draw at the Los Angeles Galaxy last Saturday.
The Dynamo finally got a second goal for Argentine forward Ezequiel Ponce in the draw versus the Galaxy. The team has made a few additions late in the primary transfer window that should make it easier to get Ponce more service.
Houston eventually conceded an equalizer to the 10-man Galaxy after halftime. But Olsen said he felt heartened that Ponce had stayed more disciplined in the Dynamo's formation and been repaid with a goal.
"We asked (Ponce) to stay patient tonight in front of goal and not drop back," Olsen said. "I'm really happy for him and thankful that he was rewarded today. It was a very good team goal, and he was right where he needed to be. That is how he is going to score goals, and he has got to trust that we can get him in those spots."
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