To get to the bottom of the Rapids’ recent struggles, just look at the top.
Colorado (7-6-7) has just one victory in its past nine games. The reason likely is tied to its scoring, or lack of. The Rapids, led by strikers Conor Casey and Omar Cummings, have scored 22 goals this season. After 20 games last year, they had scored 32 goals, meaning production among Rapids scorers is down 31 percent.
With the Houston Dynamo (6-10-5) in town for a game today at DSG Park in Commerce City, the Rapids may have found a reprieve. Houston has the worst defense in the MLS’s Western Conference, having allowed 33 goals.
Colorado plays its next two games at home, and Houston is struggling of late. The Dynamo’s 4-3 win over Chicago last weekend was its first since May 22.
While the Rapids’ offense will be crucial in this mini-homestand, it’s the Colorado defense that will have the toughest challenge. Houston’s Brian Ching is coming off a hat trick last week against the Fire.
Rapids (7-6-7, 28 points) vs. Houston (6-10-5, 23 points)
• At DSG Park in Commerce City
• Today, 7:30 p.m.
• TV: Fox Soccer Channel
