Ben Olsen wants Houston Dynamo to start a winning run with back-to-back MLS home games ahead of them, starting with Colorado Rapids on Saturday.

Houston have won just one of their eight games in the league so far this season, leaving them 13th in the Western Conference with six points.

They followed up the 1-0 victory over Los Angeles FC with a 1-1 draw with 10-man LA Galaxy last weekend, leaving Olsen frustrated over the dropped points.

However, back on home soil, he is confident the Dynamo can stand up to the test posed by Colorado to come away with a positive result.

"I know their [Colorado's] dynamic when they come, they come at you in a fast way and put up good numbers," he said.

"They're producing goals in a dangerous group, and they've got a lot of points so far. They're well-coached, and they'll be at their best, and we'll be at ours.

"It's all about maximizing points at home over the next two weeks to put us in a better position, and that starts with Colorado."

The Rapids have made one of their best starts to an MLS season, sitting fifth in the table with 14 points, and could move higher with another win this weekend.

They have alternated between losses and wins in their last four outings, but head coach Chris Armas, who played with Olsen for the United States, says the Rapids will do their best to disrupt their hosts.

"We've looked at a few things this week, and regardless, our principles don't change," Armas said. "Our behaviors don't change what we do.

"I don't know if Ben Olsen's listening over there. My friend, we're going to come after you, man. You guys are good, but that's our way, brother. We're up to that challenge."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Houston Dynamo – Nicolas Lodeiro

Nicolas Lodeiro has nine regular-season goal contributions against Colorado (four goals, five assists).

He has recorded more against just two teams (16 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 13 vs. San Jose Earthquakes).

Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic

Djordje Mihailovic scored a penalty in Colorado's win over San Diego FC on Saturday.

Six of Mihailovic's last seven goals have been scored from the penalty spot.

MATCH PREDICTION: HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN

Houston have won three straight meetings with Colorado after going winless in the previous nine encounters (D5 L4). This equals the Dynamo's longest winning run over the Rapids in all competitions (also three straight in 2006-07).

However, the Dynamo have won only one of their last 10 matches, dating back to the start of last season's playoffs (D5 L4). Houston have not scored more than one goal in any of those 10 matches.

With 14 points through eight matches, the Rapids have equaled their third-best start to a season in club history. Colorado only had more points at this stage of a campaign in 2016 and 2021 (16 in both).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Houston Dynamo – 53.4%

Draw – 23.9%

Colorado Rapids – 22.7%