Rapids look to get Kamara back in starting XI vs. Dynamo

The Houston Dynamo go for their fourth straight victory Wednesday when they visit a Colorado Rapids team that hasn't won since the second week of the regular season back in March.

The Dynamo (3-2-4, 13 points) are unbeaten in their last five, including those three wins -- two against Sporting Kansas City and one over Minnesota United.

In their most recent triumph over Kansas City over the weekend, Houston had to overcome an early deficit and the challenge of defeating the Western Conference leaders for the second time in 12 days.

They did so through second-half goals from Alberth Elis and Mauro Manotas, the latter having scored for the first time since opening day on Feb. 29 after having battled off-and-on injuries this summer.

"(Kansas City) knew they were playing a good team," Houston coach Tab Ramos said of the most recent victory. "And obviously we know we're playing a great team and I think that's why, for me, today's win is the most important one we've had so far."

While the Dynamo have enjoyed plenty of offense since Phase 1 of the revised MLS schedule restarted last August, the Rapids (2-3-3, nine points) have yet to score more than two goals in an MLS game since the restart.

Perhaps getting Kei Kamara back into the starting XI could help. The 36-year-old striker scored a late equalizer in the Rapids' 1-1 draw at San Jose on Saturday night in his third consecutive appearance off the bench after picking up a minor injury on Aug. 22.

It was the Sierra Leone international's 129th-career MLS goal. Four more and he will tie D.C. United great Jaime Moreno for fourth on the league's all-time list.

"He's obviously physically gifted," Rapids manager Robin Fraser said. "At his age, he's as strong as can be. He's still fast, good timing, good jumper. He's definitely blessed with good genes. And he takes very good care of himself. ... I think he still has plenty to give."

--Field Level Media