Houston Dynamo faces Colorado Rapids in a crucial MLS match with playoff implications. Ben Olsen seeks to rally his team after a frustrating draw, while Colorado aims to leverage home advantage. Key players Rafael Navarro and Ezequiel Ponce are highlighted. Prediction favors a Colorado Rapids win.
Ben Olsen and his Houston Dynamo are gearing up for a critical away match against the Colorado Rapids, with playoff aspirations hanging in the balance. The Dynamo, currently positioned 10th in the Western Conference, are a mere two points shy of the San Jose Earthquakes, who hold the ninth spot. With only five matches remaining in the regular season, every game carries significant weight.
Despite a recent run of form that includes only one defeat in their last six league encounters (W1 D4), Olsen couldn't hide his frustration following a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy. The Galaxy managed to snatch a late equalizer in the 99th minute, leaving the Dynamo with a bitter taste. However, Olsen is determined to rally his troops and channel that disappointment into positive energy as they prepare for Saturday's showdown.
"We lick our wounds, but we’ll rebound," Olsen stated with conviction. "A good week of training will help. We understand the importance of this next match and the opportunity it will present. It’s never going to be easy. One point at a time. Hopefully, we can go there and continue some of our away form. If we do the job there, again, we’re still in this conversation."
The Colorado Rapids, meanwhile, find themselves in a more comfortable playoff position, but only by a slim margin. They sit in eighth place, just three points ahead of Houston. After enjoying back-to-back victories upon their return from Leagues Cup action, the Rapids have since suffered two consecutive defeats, falling to the Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City.
Experienced defender Rob Holding, who joined Colorado in August, is eager to impart his wisdom and experience to the younger members of the squad as the season reaches its climax. "I think bringing in another experienced player will help with the young lads as they look up and realize that every detail does matter, because that’s what I had," Holding explained. "I want to be in the role for someone coming into the team that’s a bit nervous and make them feel at ease. But then they also don’t take liberties, and they have to be at a certain standard, so they sort of learn quickly that this is great. People are helping me, but I can’t be taking it easy."
Here’s how the race to the Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs… is shaping up out West:
Here’s how the race to the Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs… is shaping up out West: pic.twitter.com/pRw8MGQ9nH
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 8, 2025
Players to Watch
Colorado Rapids – Rafael Navarro
Rafael Navarro has been a key figure for the Colorado Rapids this season, leading the team with 12 goals. He demonstrated his scoring prowess once again in Colorado’s last match, further solidifying his importance to the team’s attacking endeavors. Navarro’s consistency has placed him in elite company, as he becomes only the second Rapids player to score 12 or more goals in consecutive seasons, joining Connor Casey (2009 and 2010) in this achievement.
Houston Dynamo – Ezequiel Ponce
Ezequiel Ponce has emerged as a vital player for the Houston Dynamo since his debut in August 2024. On Saturday, Ponce showcased his goal-scoring ability by tallying his ninth regular-season goal of the season and his 14th since joining the team. Ponce's impact on the Dynamo's attack is undeniable, as he leads the team in regular-season goals during that time. The only other Dynamo player with more than three regular-season goals in that time is Jack McGlynn (five).
Ponce fought hard for this one and came out on top
Check out Ponce’s goal in All-Angles, presented by @conocophillips pic.twitter.com/TLuaQkZQmpMatch Prediction – Colorado Rapids Win
While Houston boasts an impressive unbeaten streak of seven matches against Colorado (W3 D4), history may not be enough to secure a victory on Saturday. The Dynamo have never gone more than five straight matches without a loss against the Rapids before their current streak.
Colorado has struggled defensively this season, with nine of their 13 losses coming by multiple goals, including their last two outings. However, the Rapids are expected to leverage their home advantage and put an end to their losing streak. Nine of Colorado’s 13 losses have been by multiple goals during the 2025 regular season, including each of their last two matches. The Rapids have had more losses by two or more goals in a season twice (12 in 1996, 10 in 2000), but they are expected to make their home advantage count on Saturday.
Houston has earned a draw in four of their last six regular-season games and have nine league draws this season, tied for the second most in the Western Conference in 2025 (FC Dallas – 10). Six of those draws have come on the road, giving hope to Colorado.
Opta Win Probability
Colorado Rapids – 44.6%
Draw – 26.9%
Houston Dynamo – 28.5%