The Houston Dynamo will try for their first home victory since late March when they host the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.

A combination of injuries and defections left the Dynamo (5-6-3, 18 points) short-handed for much of the early season. But with captain Hector Herrera returning to start four of Houston’s last five matches in midfield, there’s a sense that better days could be ahead.

In some ways, Saturday’s 2-1 loss at the Los Angeles Galaxy added to that feeling after coach Ben Olsen’s side more or less matched the Galaxy in shots and possession and created arguably the more dangerous chances.

“That was a tough one because it was a good performance overall,” Olsen said. “The first half was one of the best halves I’ve seen this team play. In the second half, it turned into a transition game, which we wanted to avoid. We put a lot into the first half, and I wanted to see more discipline from the group, but it was an even game, and we had plenty of chances that could have changed the result.”

Latif Blessing scored Houston’s opening goal — his first since arriving from Toronto in a trade — but his playing time was limited to the first half.

Meanwhile, Colorado (6-5-4, 22 points) had to overcome a two-goal deficit in the second half to earn a 3-3 draw at home against Minnesota United on Saturday.

But two goals from Kevin Cabral could give hope to Rapids fans that the winger may finally be figuring it out in front of goal in his fourth MLS season after developing a reputation for wasting chances.

“We know from the eye test, and statistically, Kevin gets himself into really good spots, and we see him score a lot of goals and training,” Rapids coach Chris Armas said. “So, can it get there? (Saturday night), it did.”

The Rapids have already earned three away wins this season, matching their three at home, and their 15 away goals scored are tied for second in MLS.

–Field Level Media