The Houston Dynamo travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Fire on Saturday night. The two teams come into this game in totally opposite form. The Fire have lost three straight games while the Dynamo are unbeaten in their last four, including back to back wins.
The Dynamo return to the road after their last two games were wins at home at Robertson Stadium. Houston coach Dom Kinnear will have his hands full putting together a lineup as the Dynamo have numerous injuries to deal with. The men in orange will be without captain Brian Ching, defender Jermaine Taylor, and midfielders Danny Cruz and Lovel Palmer. All four of these players have started games this season and will surely be missed. Former Fire player Calen Carr is also out, still recovering from a concussion.
With new signing Sergio Koke still likely a week away from making his debut, some reserves will have to step up for Houston. Winger Corey Ashe has played at left back in the last two games but may return to wing with Cruz unable to play. If Ashe moves to midfield expect a back line of Hunter Freeman, Bobby Boswell, Andre Hainault, and rookie Kofi Sarkodie. Also moving Ashe to wing could allow for Brad Davis to move to center midfield along with Geoff Cameron. Cameron would likely play a holding midfield position in this scenario. Colin Clark could make his first Dynamo start alongside Davis, Cameron, and Ashe in midfield.
Chicago comes into the match struggling from top to bottom. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been replaced by Jon Conway and Fire coach Carlos de los Cobos said Conway will get the start against the Dynamo. The Fire defense has struggled lately and defender Cory Gibbs is doubtful with a hamstring injury. Logan Pause and Mike Videira will lead the midfield and former Dynamo striker Dominic Oduro may get his first start after scoring last week.
The Dynamo and Fire kick off at 7:30 PM central time tonight at Toyota Park.
(image courtesy of Anthony Vasser/Houston Dynamo)
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