As the Colorado Rapids prepare to face the Houston Dynamo, midfielder Djordje Mihailovic has emphasized that his team should be considered among the best in the Western Conference. Despite a recent dip in form, the Rapids managed to secure a crucial point in a 3-3 draw against Minnesota United, maintaining their position in sixth place.
The Rapids have struggled with consistency, winning just one of their last four matches. However, Mihailovic is optimistic that their positive record against the top six teams can be a catalyst for success against Houston. "Last year wasn't great, and we're trying to move on, but we can't forget - it's the club's history," Mihailovic said. "To know we're good against the top six in the West [only losing once], I think it shows we belong in that conversation. I know people won't say that on the outside, but we believe that in our group."
Mihailovic sees the upcoming fixtures as an opportunity to climb the standings before the mid-season break. "It says a lot when we weren't happy with a draw [against Minnesota]. Now we go to Houston and Vancouver before our break, and it's a good opportunity to move up in the standings."
Houston Dynamo, sitting four points behind Colorado in eighth place, are eager to close the gap. Despite their position, the teams below them remain in close pursuit. Head coach Ben Osborn has identified scoring and game management as key areas for improvement. "Goals are missing - finishing off some of these chances and I think the other part that's missing is understanding how to win games, or tie them, and find these moments where we are just more disciplined at times, so I
