The Houston Dynamo travel to southern California tonight to take on the Los Angeles Galaxy. The Dynamo are coming off a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls. Houston led in stoppage time before New York was able to equalize and deny two points from the Dynamo. The Dynamo have yet to win in May and will face tough opposition if they want their first three point game of the month. LA comes off a win in the SuperClasico against rivals Chivas USA.
The story of the season for the Dynamo continues to be injuries. Midfielder Danny Cruz returned to training this week but is doubtful for tonight’s match. At forward, Brian Ching will be out with his foot injury and Cam Weaver is nursing an ankle injury but should be ready to go. The Galaxy will be without midfielder David Beckham who played yesterday in England for Manchester United in a testimonial match for Gary Neville. You have to question this move by Beckham. While Neville is a close friend, Beckham does have a contract with LA and will miss an important regular season match. If I were a Galaxy fan I would not be too happy.
I feel like I say this every week but how Brad Davis goes will determine how the Dynamo go. Davis scored last week on a penalty kick and set up the second goal by Koke on a corner kick. If Weaver is given a rest look for Koke to start up front with rookie Will Bruin. The midfield should remain unchanged as Colin Clark, Lovel Palmer, Geoff Cameron, and Davis look to get the starts. Like the midfield, the defense should remain unchanged with the foursome of Hunter Freeman, Andre Hainault, Bobby Boswell, and Corey Ashe playing well. Look for Jamaican Je-Vaughn Watson to possibly enter as a sub if the Dynamo need a goal. Watson and fellow Jamaican Jermaine Taylor could both start since they will soon be leaving the team to play in the Gold Cup.
Los Angeles has a potent offense led by American star Landon Donovan. Donovan has been in great goal scoring form this year and Houston will have to slow him down if they want to take any points from the Home Depot Center. I would look for Cameron and Palmer to sit back more in the midfield to try and deny Donovan the ball. With Beckham out Donovan may have to play more of a facilitator role and the Dynamo will have to limit his touches.
If the Dynamo can get an early lead they could steal a win but I look for a draw to be a good result tonight.
(image courtesy of Wilf Thorne/Houston Dynamo)
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