In Week 28 of Major League Soccer, the Colorado Rapids emerged victorious at home against Houston, clinching three essential points. The game kicked off with an early goal from Cole Bassett in the 9th minute, setting the tone for a competitive match.
Jack McGlynn equalized for Houston in the 22nd minute, leveling the score and keeping the tension high. However, it was Paxten Aaronson who sealed the victory for Colorado, scoring a header in the 50th minute and securing the win for his team.
Houston had a chance to change the game in the 64th minute when McGlynn’s shot struck the post, preventing them from equalizing once again. Aaronson was undoubtedly the star of the match, contributing significantly with a goal and six shots on target.
Cole Bassett also made a notable impact, netting a goal and attempting five shots. The tactical setup for Colorado, led by coach Chris Armas, was a 4-5-1 formation with Zack Steffen guarding the net. The defense consisted of Reggie Cannon, Andreas Maxso, Rob Holding, and Rafael Santos, while Connor Ronan, Oliver Larraz, Calvin Harris, Paxten Aaronson, and Cole Bassett orchestrated the midfield, leaving Rafael Navarro at the front.
On the other side, Houston, managed by Benjamin Olsen, deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Jonathan Bond in goal. Defenders Griffin Dorsey, Erik Sviatchenko, Antônio Carlos, and Felipe Andrade shielded the backline. The midfield saw Jack McGlynn, Artur de Lima, and Brooklyn Raines, with Ondrej Lingr, Ezequiel Ponce, and Lawrence Ennali leading the attack.
The match, officiated by referee Filip Dujic, not only highlighted the sharpness of Colorado’s play but also showcased Houston’s struggles to find the back of the net, especially after McGlynn’s near miss.
Next, the Colorado Rapids will face FC Dallas in an away match, while Houston will return home to host Portland Timbers at Shell Energy Stadium.
Substitutions for Colorado Rapids
74’ 2T – Rafael Santos out for Sam Vines and Calvin Harris out for Theodore Ku-Dipietro.
79’ 2T – Oliver Larraz out for Alexis Manyoma.
Bookings for Colorado Rapids:
5’ 2T – Rafael Navarro (Unsporting behavior), 20’ 2T – Reggie Cannon (Unsporting behavior), and 52’ 2T – Paxten Aaronson (Removing shirt).
Substitutions for Houston:
45’ 2T – Antônio Carlos out for Pablo Ortiz.
78’ 2T – Ondrej Lingr out for Duane Holmes.
89’ 2T – Brooklyn Raines out for Sebastian Kowalczyk.
Bookings for Houston:
24’ 2T – Artur de Lima (Unsporting behavior).
Red Card for Houston:
52’ 2T – Artur de Lima (Red for second yellow card).