During Week 28 of the MLS, Colorado Rapids took home three crucial points in a thrilling match against Houston. The first goal came from Cole Bassett in the 9th minute, giving the hosts an early advantage. However, Jack McGlynn equalized for Houston in the 22nd minute of the second half. The decisive moment arrived when Paxten Aaronson scored a header in the 50th minute, sealing the victory for Colorado.
In the 64th minute, Houston’s Jack McGlynn was close to turning the match in their favor, but his shot hit the post, missing a chance to level the score.
Paxten Aaronson stood out as the player of the match, contributing with a goal and taking six shots on target. Cole Bassett was also instrumental in the game, netting one goal and attempting five shots.
Colorado Rapids’ head coach Chris Armas deployed a 4-5-1 formation with Zack Steffen in goal; Reggie Cannon, Andreas Maxso, Rob Holding, and Rafael Santos in defense; Connor Ronan, Oliver Larraz, Calvin Harris, Paxten Aaronson, and Cole Bassett in midfield; and Rafael Navarro leading the attack.
On the other side, head coach Benjamin Olsen utilized a 4-3-3 setup with Jonathan Bond as goalkeeper; Griffin Dorsey, Erik Sviatchenko, Antônio Carlos, and Felipe Andrade in defense; Jack McGlynn, Artur de Lima, and Brooklyn Raines in midfield; and Ondrej Lingr, Ezequiel Ponce, and Lawrence Ennali at the front.
Referee Filip Dujic officiated the match.
Looking ahead, Colorado Rapids will travel to face FC Dallas, while Houston will host the Portland Timbers at Shell Energy Stadium.
Substitutions for Colorado Rapids
74’ 2nd Half – Rafael Santos out for Sam Vines and Calvin Harris out for Theodore Ku-Dipietro.
79’ 2nd Half – Oliver Larraz was replaced by Alexis Manyoma.
Yellow Cards for Colorado Rapids:
5’ 2nd Half – Rafael Navarro (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 20’ 2nd Half – Reggie Cannon (Unsportsmanlike conduct), and 52’ 2nd Half – Paxten Aaronson (Removing jersey).
Substitutions for Houston:
45’ 2nd Half – Antônio Carlos out for Pablo Ortiz.
78’ 2nd Half – Ondrej Lingr out for Duane Holmes.
89’ 2nd Half – Brooklyn Raines out for Sebastian Kowalczyk.
Yellow Cards for Houston:
24’ 2nd Half – Artur de Lima (Unsportsmanlike conduct).
Red Card for Houston:
52’ 2nd Half – Artur de Lima (Red for second yellow).