Colorado Rapids ship two own goals in heavy loss to Houston Dynamo

Memo Rodriguez scored again and Colorado had two own goals as the Houston Dynamo defeated the Rapids 4-1 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo., on Saturday.

Alberth Elis had a goal and an assist and Joe Willis made four saves for Houston (3-0-1), which led 3-0 at the half.

The Rapids (0-3-2) have a loss and two ties at home.

Houston scored the first goal for the second time in four matches, then made it 2-0 in the 15th minute to end a nine-game winless streak (0-6-3) at Colorado since winning 3-1 on Oct. 4, 2008.

Rodriguez has four goals this season after scoring three times in his first 28 appearances. He was the recipient of a cross from the right flank to the far post by Elis, who earned his third assist of the season, in the 4th minute.

An own goal by Colorado defender Axel Sjoberg doubled the Dynamo advantage in the 15th minute.

Elis again was involved. He ran down the right side with pace, then whipped a ball to the goal box to teammate Mauro Manotas, but the pass went off Sjoberg.

Colorado's nightmare continued in the 34th when defender Keegan Rosenberry had another own goal.

Tomas Martinez sent Elis down the right channel. He put a cross in front, where Rosenberry tried to kick it over the crossbar but put it past keeper Tim Howard (four saves).

Colorado had poor luck at the other end as well, with Diego Rubio twice hitting the frame in the first half.

Elis got his second goal of the season in the 67th minute.

A handball on Houston's Maynor Figueroa allowed Kei Kamara to convert a penalty kick in the 81st minute to make it 4-1.

Colorado's Tommy Smith was red-carded in the 89th minute for a hard challenge.

The Rapids play at Orlando City on April 6. Houston hosts San Jose on April 13.