The Houston Dynamo return home to BBVA Compass Stadium to take on Texas rivals FC Dallas. This will be the only meeting this season between the I-45 rivals and El Capitan will be up for grabs. El Capitan is an 18th century mountain howitzer cannon given to the winner of the series each season. The Dynamo currently possess the cannon after a 2-2 draw at home and a 1-0 win in Frisco.
While the majority of MLS has been off during this international break, the Dynamo played last Sunday in Vancouver, losing 3-1. With regulars Geoff Cameron, Andre Hainault, Jermaine Taylor, and Je-Vaughn Watson all out with their national teams the Dynamo were outclassed by the Whitecaps. The 4 players will be available on Saturday against Dallas and will strengthen the Houston lineup. Striker Blas Perez returns for Dallas but they will be without star Brek Shea because of injury.
BBVA Compass Stadium will be rocking in front of a national TV audience, giving the Dynamo a big homefield advantage. The defense will have to keep an eye on Perez as he has a knack for getting in behind defenses and scoring goals. The defense has played strong at home, allowing just 1 goal in MLS play, so expect them to come out and try to shut down FC Dallas before they can even get into the box. With Taylor, Hainault, and Cameron all back the defense will be at full strength. Look for Cameron to start alongside Bobby Boswell in the middle with Hainault and Taylor on the outside.
These next few sentences may not go over well with some Dynamo fans but it needs to be said. It’s time for captain Brian Ching to sit. Ching’s been quiet in many matches this season and with Will Bruin being able to do so many things Ching can the captain should make way for Mac Kandji. Kandji will bring speed up front to counterbalance Bruin and add another dimension to the attack. I doubt we’ll see Ching on the bench but my starting XI would be: Hall; Taylor, Cameron, Boswell, Hainault; Carr, Watson, Moffat, Davis; Bruin, Kandji.
This game is a must win not just because of the rivalry but also because of the standings in the East. Houston currently sits 7th in the East but are just 2 points behind 4th place Columbus. If the Dynamo can get an early goal I think a rout could be in the works. FC Dallas has struggled this season and even dropped points on multiple occasiopns when they’ve had a lead. If the Dynamo do go down early they shouldn’t be discouraged at all. They came back to win in their last match against LA so they know how to play when behind. I see an early goal in each half and then a late goal to seal the match. A 3-0 win would not only give the home fans bragging rights over the rivals to the north but would give the team a vital 3 points in a tight Eastern Conference.
(image courtesy of houstondynamo.com)
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