Know Your Opponent: Houston Dynamo FC

On Saturday, May 15, the Colorado Rapids will take on Houston Dynamo FC in at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Here’s what you need to know about this weekend’s matchup. 

Past Meetings 

In 2020, the Rapids and Dynamo squared off twice, both of which were close contests. The first ended in a 1-1 draw and the second, the final game of the regular season, resulted in a 2-1 victory for the Rapids thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Diego Rubio.

Overall, Colorado has had very good form against Houston. They hold a 12-10-10 record against their southern opponent all-time in MLS play and are undefeated in their last three against the Dynamo.  

Current Form 

Houston Dynamo FC come into the game against the Rapids following a midweek duel against Sporting Kansas City. Regardless of the result against Sporting, the Rapids will no doubt be better rested than Houston, with a full week to recover since their last matchup. 

 Prior to Wednesday, Houston won their first match of the year but now find themselves on a three-game winless streak, drawing their last two matchups against FC Dallas and LAFC and losing the one prior vs Portland.   

Key Players to Watch 

Houston finished at the bottom of the Western Conference last season, but they hope their new additions, like Fafa Picault, help get them on the right path this year. 

Picault is in his first year with Houston after an offseason transfer with in-state rival FC Dallas. He earned his first goal of 2021 on a penalty kick against his former club last weekend and became the first player to score on both sides of the Texas derby. Picault is a versatile MLS veteran who can slot into the midfield or on the wing and has 25 goals and 15 assists under his belt through 111 MLS matches. He has made his mark on the scoresheet in two consecutive matches for the Dynamo going into Wednesday’s match against Sporting, so he is definitely a player to watch as he gets even more comfortable playing with his new team. 

Designated Player Darwin Quintero is not a new addition in 2021, but he is always a player to be wary of. Quintero led the Dynamo with seven goals and 10 assists in 2020, after joining the team from Minnesota in the offseason. He has yet to start a match in 2021, but the 33-year-old is definitely one to watch as a threat, whether it is from the jump or off the bench 

At DSGP