The Colorado Rapids (11-6-13) were able to score a last-minute winner to secure the 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo (8-9-13) Saturday night. Attacking midfielder Paxten Aaronson, defender Rafael Santos, winger Alexis Manyoma and center-back Rob Holding all made their home debuts and contributed to the much-needed win.
Colorado Head Coach Chris Armas elected to run a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rafael Navarro as the lone striker and Aaronson as the 10 with Calvin Harris and Cole Bassett as supporting midfielders.
In the 10th minute, Basset turned a set-piece opportunity into his third goal of the season. Although the year has been rough for the Colorado native, he was all over the pitch in the first half, creating opportunities out of thin air.
Santos as well had an amazing first half. The defender assisted Bassett’s goal and delivered three dangerous crosses that nearly resulted in Houston’s own goals.
“He’s [Santos] an attacking full back,” Armas said after the game. “He’s dangerous in the attack, he loves getting forward… You can see on set pieces he’s dangerous. He’s a threat.”
Santos and Bassett led the Rapids into the half up one. The Dynamo challenged Colorado’s backline, but defender Andreas Maxso and Holding prevented well.
In the 68th minute, Houston’s Lawrence Ennali chipped the ball over Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen, setting up for winger Jack McGlynn to punch the ball into the back of the net.
Colorado continued pressing, but Dynamo keeper Jonathan Bond was able to make various acrobatic saves.
In the final minute of the second half extra time, Aaronson was able to flick a corner kick off Houston defender Felipe Andrade and into the net to miraculously secure Colorado’s three points.
“Special moment, whether it’s my goal or not, I’m just happy that I can be at the right place at the right time to help it go in,” Aaronson said after the win.
The Rapids head to Toyota Stadium to take on FC Dallas (8-10-11) Saturday night. In their first matchup earlier in the season, Navarro scored a brace as the teams split points in a 3-3 tie. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. MT (MLS Season Pass via Apple TV).
