Starting XI:
Midfielder Micheal Azira is making his second MLS start of the season for the Rapids. He made his first start of the season back on May 12th against NYCFC. Azira enters his third season with the club, and his fifth in Major League Soccer. In 2017, he finished with a career high in minutes for a single season with 2,569. The Ugandan international featured in two of three matches for his country at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. Azira played all 90 minutes against Nashville on Wednesday.
Midfielder Johan Blomberg is starting for a third consecutive time since coming off injury last weekend against Vancouver. Blomberg missed five consecutive games due to a knee injury that occurred against Real Salt Lake back on April 21st. He has played a total of 508 minutes in six MLS starts this season. Blomberg played 74 minutes on Wednesday against Nashville.
Forward Yannick Boli makes his third MLS start this season against Houston. The Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France native scored his first MLS goal via a penalty kick against Portland (5/26) in stoppage time. Boli played the full 90 minutes last weekend against Vancouver.
Wingback Marlon Hairston is in the Rapids Starting XI for the second time since getting injured back on March 31st against the Philadelphia Union. The Jackson, Mississippi native has missed most of this season after undergoing knee surgery in early April. Hairston has made three starts this season and has played a total of 240 minutes.
Goalkeeper Tim Howard enters his third season in burgundy on the heels of a 2017 campaign that saw the United States Men's National Team legend feature in 25 matches - all from the start. Howard has 30 saves and two clean sheets this season.
Forward Joe Mason is back in the Starting XI this weekend against Houston. He missed last weekend’s game against Vancouver due to injury. Mason has notched two goals and played 491 minutes this season. This will be Mason’s seventh MLS start.
Midfielder Sam Nicholson is making his sixth consecutive MLS start since joining Colorado back on May 2nd. Before joining the Rapids, Nicholson featured in all eight games for MNUFC this MLS season, picking up a goal and an assist in 526 minutes. He was named Man on the Match for his performance against New York Red Bulls back on May 12th. Nicholson had a team high 11 crosses last weekend against Vancouver. Today he appears in the wingback position.
Midfielder Jack Price is making his twelfth MLS start of season for the Rapids. Price led the Rapids last weekend in successful passes (55), good long balls (19) and in chances created (3) against Vancouver.
Defender Tommy Smith is in the Starting XI for the thirteenth time this MLS season. Smith has played every minute (1080’) this season. He’s notched two assists, 13 shots and 571 touches in 2018.
Defender Deklan Wynne will make his thirteenth consecutive MLS start after joining the Rapids from Vancouver Whitecaps FC on December 21, 2017. Wynne recorded 41 successful passes last weekend against Vancouver, which ranked as the second best on the night behind Prices’ 55 and lead the team with three interceptions.
Defender Danny Wilson is back in the Starting XI for the Rapids today. The Scottish centerback will be making his ninth MLS start against Houston tonight. This season Wilson has played a combined 675 minutes. Wilson did not feature on Wednesday against Nashville.
On the Bench:
Midfielder Nana Boateng appears in the Rapids 18 for today’s game. This season Boateng has appeared in seven matches, six from the start, and has played a total of 501 minutes.
Wingback Kip Colvey is in the Rapids 18 for today’s game. Colvey has made two Starting XI appearances this season since being picked third overall in the 2017 MLS Waiver Draft on December 13, 2017. Colvey featured in four of six 2018 World Cup qualification matches for New Zealand against Fiji, Solomon Islands and Peru in 2017.
Midfielder Sam Hamilton appears on the bench for today’s matchup against Houston. The Denver native joined the Rapids on March 4, 2017 as the 15th overall draft pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
Goalkeeper Zac MacMath has played in two games this season. MacMath’s first start of the season was against Orlando City SC on April 29th. He enters his fourth season in Colorado with 158 minutes played and nine saves in 2018.
Midfielder Enzo Martinez played 70 minutes against Vancouver last weekend. He has played a total of 867 minutes with 573 touches and one assist this season. The Uruguayan played all 90 minutes on Wednesday against Nashville.
Striker Jack McBean scored his first goal of the season in the 85th minute against the Red Bulls on May 12th. McBean enters his eighth MLS season - first with the Rapids - after being acquired from the LA Galaxy on December 14, 2017. He’s played a total of 248 minutes for the Rapids this season and has eight shots.
Wingback Dillon Serna came on in the 62nd minute against Vancouver for Johan Blomberg. The Homegrown product from Brighton, Colorado, enters his sixth season with the club. Serna has made 6 appearances and played a total of 159 minutes this season.
Injury Report:
- Castillo – Out
- Ford – Day to Day
- Gashi – Day to Day
- Sjöberg – Out
Suspended:
- Badji
