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Dynamo-Rapids Preview

Aug 29, 2009 - 8:45 PM By ALAN FERGUSON STATS Writer

Houston (11-6-7) at Colorado (8-7-6), 3:00 p.m. EDT

A pair of ties in the past two matches hasn't helped the Houston Dynamo feel comfortable as they continue to sit atop the Western Conference.

The Dynamo hope Sunday's matchup with the inconsistent Colorado Rapids will help pad their advantage and end a brief winless streak.

Houston (11-6-7) couldn't hold a lead last week against visiting Seattle as former Dynamo forward Nate Jaqua scored in the 70th minute left to force a 1-1 draw.

"We wanted to come out with three points tonight, so that's disappointing. There was miscommunication on their goal and that is what it comes down to," said defender Geoff Cameron, who scored his first goal of the season. "I think we are a better team overall, but they really put on the pressure and they create havoc for us."

That followed a scoreless deadlock with Real Salt Lake on Aug. 15.

The Dynamo will try to get back into the win column against a team they've handled since moving to Texas in 2006.

Houston is 7-2-1 all-time against the Rapids (8-7-6) and beat them in the playoffs during that inaugural season en route to winning consecutive MLS Cup titles. The Dynamo are also 3-2-1 in Colorado, posting a win and a scoreless draw there last season.

The Rapids have also alternated wins and losses in their last six games and come off a disappointing 3-2 defeat in Chicago on Aug. 23.

Omar Cummings scored twice early in the second half, and Colorado still held a 2-0 lead with less than 20 minutes to go. The Rapids, however, gave up three goals including the go-ahead score two minutes into stoppage time.

"It's a 90-minute game," Colorado coach Gary Smith told MLS' official Web site. "If you don't play for 90 minutes then it's the punishment you get."

Despite his team's struggles, Smith's club has scored 10 goals in the last four games including a pair of 4-0 victories. Along with the two goals, Cummings has four assists in those contests and leads the league with 10.

He also has a career-high eight goals this season and is second on the Rapids behind Conor Casey's 11.

The Dynamo's sagging offense could get a boost from forward Luis Angel Landin, who made his much-anticipated MLS debut with 15 minutes remaining against the Sounders.

Houston acquired the 24-year-old on loan from Cruz Azul on Aug. 20 and the Mexican national team member is the team's first-ever designated player.

"I am not coming here to be a superstar," said Landin, who is on loan through the end of 2010. "I am just coming here to play, to be one of the guys, and to contribute in any way possible."

Brian Ching leads Houston with seven goals, but hasn't scored since a two-goal performance Aug. 1 against D.C. United.