[MLS] Colorado edges Houston 2-1, strengthens hold on 8th place in West

(COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Won Jeong, Ella Kim) Cole Bassett’s early free-kick strike and a stoppage-time own goal lifted the Colorado Rapids to a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Friday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Bassett opened the scoring in the 10th minute, curling a right-footed free kick into the left corner after a clever backheel touch from R. Santos set up the opportunity.

Houston drew level in the second half when L. Ennali sent a cross into the box that deflected off midfielder J. McGlynn’s left foot and slipped into the net, making it 1-1.

The Rapids found the winner deep into stoppage time. In the 95th minute, C. Ronan swung in a corner that ricocheted off defender A. Maxsø and then bounced off Houston’s F. Andrade for an own goal.

With the victory, Colorado improved to 39 points and tightened its grip on eighth place in the Western Conference standings. The Rapids travel to Dallas for their next match on Sept. 20.