After playing their first Eastern Conference rival on Sunday, the Dynamo will make it two in one week as they take on the Columbus Crew. The Dynamo come off a storm shortened draw in Chicago 6 days ago and will get players back from injury and suspension. The Crew have been a thorn in Houston’s side as the Dynamo have not beaten the men in yellow since 2008.
Team MVP Brad Davis missed the match with Chicago because of a calf strain and will not travel with the team to Columbus. This was expected as there is no need for the team to rush him back. The season is still in its early stages and the last thing the Dynamo want to do is rush their playmaker back and lose him for an extended amount of time. Davis says he should be good to go next week at DC United.
Turning to good news in the midfield, central midfielder Adam Moffat will return from his one game suspension and should regain his starting spot. The Dynamo will finally have their first choice pairing of central midfielders starting a game together this season as Moffat and Luiz Camargo are expected to man the middle. Against Chicago defender Corey Ashe moved from left back to left midfield and with Davis likely out again against the Crew, expect to see this again. Jermaine Taylor will start again in place of Ashe at left back. Taylor’s Jamaican countryman JeVaughn Watson will start again on the right wing for the still suspended Colin Clark. Calen Carr came in on the right wing Sunday at Chicago but did not get many minutes because of the storm stopping the match. I’d like to see Carr get some more time this week on the wing and see how his pace can help the attack.
Columbus comes into the match on a two game losing streak. Their last home match was a 4-1 thumping at the hands of New York. The Crew are led by Chad Marshall, a rock in the center of their defense. Brian Ching and Will Bruin will be tested against Marshall and the Crew defense. Going in the Dynamo’s favor is the fact that first choice goalkeeper Will Hesmer is out for Columbus. Look for the Houston midfield to test backup Andy Gruenebaum with shots from distance.
With Camargo and Moffat back I look for the Dynamo to control the midfield and the defense will stay solid. The Dynamo have not beaten Columbus since 2008 but today feels like the day to break the streak. Look for the Dynamo to try and hold possession in the center and look to spring forwards Will Bruin and Brian Ching with through balls and crosses from the wings. I look for the Dynamo to take a 1-0 win and their third victory in five on their road trip.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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