The Houston Dynamo return home to take on DC United tonight at Robertson Stadium. This game can be seen live tonight on Fox Soccer Channel at 7:30 central time. The Dynamo bring a five match unbeaten streak into tonight’s contest, their most recent game ending in a 101 draw with the Chicago Fire. DC comes to Houston after suffering two straight losses, one in league play last week to New York and one on Tuesday in an Open Cup qualifier against New England.
The Dynamo come into this game the healthiest they have been in quite some time. Jamaican center back Jermaine Taylor looks set to return after he suffered a foot strain on international duty. Captain Brian Ching is still doubtful to return to action so Cam Weaver and rookie Will Bruin will likely start again at the forward positions. Midfielder Danny Cruz is unlikely to play tonight as well.
Defense has been a key to the Dynamo success this season. Former DC United defender Bobby Boswell is tied for the team lead in goals this season. The solid play of Andre Hainault and Hunter Freeman has helped solidify a back line that had its troubles last season. If Taylor is able to start it would likely push Hainault out to left back to allow Taylor to pair with Boswell in the center.
The midfield looks to remain unchanged as the foursome of Brad Davis, Geoff Cameron, Lovel Palmer, and Danny Cruz have started most games this season. If Cruz can’t go, Colin Clark or Corey Ashe could start in his place. Both Ashe and Clark are likely candidates for second half substitutes as well. The newest Dynamo signing Koke should also be available for this match. He completed his transfer from Greek club Aris and arrived in Houston this week. Look for him as a late substitute.
DC comes into this match reeling a little but they have the firepower to rebound quickly. United States international Charlie Davies leads Major League Soccer in scoring and after failing to score for the first time this season in the match against New York, he will be hungry to find the net. Promising midfielder Branko Boskovic is likely to miss the match after suffering an injury against New England on Tuesday. Tonight’s match also marks the return of former Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad. The team has flown in his family for the game and has a special post game tribute planned for Onstad.
Look for Houston to drive play through MLS assist leader Davis wide om the left, moving inside and finding the big targets of Weaver and Bruin in the box. The defense will have to get help to slow Davies and Josh Wolff and Chris Pontius in the attack. Lovel Palmer will likely play a more defensive role in the midfield while Geoff Cameron may be called to do the same.
(image courtesy of Houston Dynamo)
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