The Colorado Rapids (4-2-3, 15 pts.) earned a point on the road against Houston Dynamo FC (1-4-4, 7 pts.) at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday night. Djordje Mihailovic and Rafael Navarro both found the back of the net for Colorado for the second consecutive match, helping the club earn a tough point away from home. With the draw, the Rapids collected their eighth road point of the season, tying their 2013 and 2024 seasons as the third best start in their first five matches on the road.
On a hot night in Houston, the Rapids were on the hunt to secure back-to-back victories and continue their success on the road so far this season.
The match started off slow, with both sides unable to create any attacking chances. Possession went back-and-forth in the early goings, but eventually play started to pick up around the 15th minute. Colorado was able to find a few opportunities in the final third, including a bicycle kick attempt from Djordje Mihailovic, but the club was unable to open the scoring.
Houston created their first real chance in the 20th minute off a shot from Sebastian Kowalczyk from the edge of the eighteen-yard box. Stepping up to make the save was Zack Steffen, who got a strong hand on the ball to prevent the match’s opening goal.
From there, the Rapids created positive play in the attacking end but were still unable to find the back of the net.
Despite the impressive attacking play from Colorado, it would be Houston who broke the ice at Shell Energy Stadium. After receiving a pass from Jack McGlynn around the penalty spot, Amine Bassi sent a shot on net and put it away to give his side the 1-0 lead.
That would be all for the first half, with the Rapids needing to find a goal to level things on the road.
Colorado came out of the break with energy and were looking to attack as much as possible to find an equalizing goal. The back line were able to stop any chance created by the Dynamo to kickstart transition moments for the attack. That style of play proved to be beneficial for the Rapids, who were able to create their best moment of the match as a result of their transitional play.
Forward Rafael Navarro managed to slide in behind the Houston defense and receive a pass within the eighteen-yard box. The Brazilian then gained position on the defender and managed to draw a penalty for his side, giving Colorado their best chance to even the scoreline in the 58th minute. Stepping up to take the kick was captain Djordje Mihailovic, who, as he has done all season long, converted the penalty with ease to tie things up at one goal apiece.
The midfielder has now converted seven penalties as a member of the Rapids, moving him into a tie with Jovan Kirovski for the third-most in MLS play in club history.
From there, Colorado did not take their foot off the gas. The club continued their attacking pressure in the search for a lead, and they would do just that in the 77th minute.
Starting the play off was a recently subbed on Kévin Cabral, who won the ball off a challenge around midfield. Navarro then played the loose ball to Mihailovic, who then found Navarro again for a chance on goal. The Brazilian then calmly placed a finish into the back of the net to give Colorado the lead on the road.
The forward has now recorded a goal in back-to-back matches for the ninth time as a member of the Rapids. The goal also marked Navarro’s sixth goal in his seven appearances in the state of Texas (Houston Dynamo FC, FC Dallas, Austin FC).
From there, Houston increased their attack in the search for a draw. With eight minutes of stoppage time, the home side managed to create chances in the attacking end and eventually found their equalizer. Forward Ondrej Lingr was able to curl a shot into the net in the 96th minute, ensuring that the points were split between the two sides.
Colorado will return home for their next matchup against Seattle Sounders FC next Saturday. Kickoff at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park is set for 7:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids App.
