Storyline to Watch:
BBVA Compass Stadium is a difficult atmosphere for visitors
It could be the humidity, the rumble of Houston's three supporters' groups in the North End, but BBVA Compass Stadium has traditionally been been a difficult place for opposing teams to play. In 2018, that trend has continued. The Dynamo are currently on a three-game home winning streak. In fact, Wilmer Cabrera's men have not lost in front of their home fans since March 31 when the New England Revolution were in town.
The Dynamo have scored at least three goals in each of their previous three games in Houston, including games against NYCFC (3-1), LA Galaxy (3-2) and Toronto FC (5-1). However, the Rapids have only lost once at BBVA Compass Stadium since its doors opened in 2012.
Houston will be missing Adolfo Machado Saturday
It was announced earlier this week that Houston Dynamo's center back Adolfo Machado was named to Panama's final 23-player roster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The dramatic last-gasp qualification saw Panama's ticket punched for their first-ever World Cup appearance where they will face Belgium (June 18), England (June 24) and Tunisia (June 28) in Group G play.
Machado and Los Canaleros arrived in Russia this week so the defender will be absent in Houston Dynamo's lineup on Saturday.
Player to Watch: Alberth Elis
Alberth Elis has picked up where he left off last season, terrifying opponents with his pace and direct runs at the defense. In 2018, the Honduran has found the net eight times and notched five assists, just 13 games into his second MLS season. Four of those goals have come in the last four games.
With eight goals this season, Houston's attacking catalyst is on pace to up his tally from last year, when he found the net 10 times in the regular season and once in playoffs. Elis is currently tied with David Villa in fourth place for most goals in MLS.
"There is still a lot of games to be played," Elis said through a translator. "What's important is to help the team with goals and assists so we can make it to the playoffs."
Only three times this year has the Designated Player been kept off the scoresheet with a goal or an assist. It's safe to say the Rapids will want to keep an eye on Elis this weekend.
Colorado Rapids vs Houston Dynamo - Head-to-Head
The Rapids have met the Houston Dynamo 26 times in the MLS regular season, resulting in a 11-8-7 record. The Dynamo are currently teetering just under the red line in the seventh spot in the West with a 5-5-3 overall recordthat does not include their recent 5-0 U.S. Open Cup drubbing over NTX Rayados. The Rapids, meanwhile, are coming off a mid-week 2-0 U.S. Open Cuploss just five days after being edged2-1at home to Vancouver Whitecaps FC that sees their season record sit at 2-8-2 overall.
The last time the two sides met was in September of 2017, with the Rapids came out on top 1-0 at BBVA Compass Stadium thanks to a stoppage-time finish from Dominique Badji.
The Rapids have the edge in the overall head-to-head series, and have only lost once at BBVA Compass Stadium since it's construction in 2012.
- Head-to-Head Overall: Houston Dynamo 8 wins, 32 goals | Colorado Rapids 11 wins, 37 goals | 7 ties
- Head-to-Head at Houston: Houston Dynamo 5 wins, 22 goals | Colorado Rapids 3 wins, 18 goals | 4 ties
- Previous Meeting: Houston Dynamo 0, Colorado Rapids 1 (September 09, 2017)
