Houston's Finishing Touch Is Broken and Colorado Knows It

Houston's got a problem, and Ben Olsen isn't shy about naming it: his Dynamo are "a little toothless in our attack." They're sitting at 4-5-0 with 12 points, and despite controlling the ball, they can't seem to find the back of the net when it matters.

Last Saturday's 2-0 loss to Austin is the perfect example. The Dynamo held 53.9% of possession but couldn't convert. It's a pattern that's haunting them early in the season. They've been outscored 18-12 overall, which tells you everything you need to know about their struggles in the final third.

Augusto Is Carrying the Load, But It's Not Enough

Guilherme Augusto is doing his part, leading the team with five goals and four assists. But even that isn't enough to mask Houston's offensive inconsistency. Before last weekend's loss to Austin, the Dynamo had won back-to-back matches by 1-0 scores, so they know how to grind out results. They just need to be more clinical.

Olsen's message to his squad is clear: "For 100 minutes a week, you've got to summon something, summon the best in yourself." That's the standard. That's what it takes.

Colorado Comes in Desperate After Getting Blown Out

Colorado isn't exactly rolling either. The Rapids dropped 3-1 to Vancouver last Saturday and sit at 4-5-1 with 13 points. Rafael Navarro scored their only goal in that loss, and the Brazilian forward is keeping them afloat with seven goals and four assists, plus 19 shots on target. He just hit his 50th regular-season goal contribution in his fourth year with the club, becoming the eighth Colorado player to reach that milestone.

But here's the thing: the Rapids have gone 0-2-1 in league play since they absolutely dismantled Houston 6-2 back on April 11. Kosi Thompson and Navarro each scored twice in that one. So much has changed in three weeks, and Colorado defender Keegan Rosenberry knows they have to fix it fast. "From the first whistle, we have to show up as ourselves," he said. "We have to have that bravery."

Coach Matt Wells agrees they need to "do the necessary dirty stuff to win games." Saturday's match is huge for both sides trying to find their footing.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.