Union V Houston

(Photo: phillyuniontalk.com)

Coming off two big wins last week; the Union head to Houston to take on the Dynamo. Going to Houston is never an easy task, the Dynamo have 3 wins and 2 ties at home on the season. The Dynamo currently have 20 points and are in 5th in the East. The Union are sitting at a lowly 8th in the East with 11 points. 


Houston is having an impressive season being only four points out of the final playoff spot. Houston has already played 10 games on the road because of the delayed opening of BBVA Compass Stadium. The Union are looking to be the first away team to go into the new stadium and walk away with a victory. If any team can do it, it is the Union. The first ever Union away victory was in Houston and last season the U opened up with an away victory in Houston.


The Union have been stepping up their game scoring nine goals in their last two competitive matches. This outburst of offensive production is contributed to the play of Pajoy and Jack Mac who have really stepped up. Add in super-sub Hoppenot and joint top scorer Gabriel Gomez coming back from injury the Union have a formidable attack.


The big question is can the Union continue to score goals? The answer lies in the midfield. The middys need to continue to create opportunities and provide quality service. Since Hack took over the play of Freddy Adu has increased but is still not at the level that should be expected from a player making half a million. Marfan has been playing to an extremely high level over the last few games and he needs to continue.  Gabriel Gomez is about to make his comeback to the starting lineup from injury most likely sending Lahoud to the bench. 


This game gets interesting on the defensive end with the Union being without Williams, Gaddis and new edition Soumare who is not fit yet. That means the Union are going to have to use some fill ins in the back line. Most likely the Union will use Garfan, Valdes, Okugo, and Marfan/Daniel/Lopez or only play three in the back. Marfan has played in the back before opposite his brother but that would take away from the offense. Daniel has not been playing as much minutes under Hack but he has shown he can play defense before. I really hope Hack does not use Lopez; I can’t handle anymore Party Rock.


On a side note the Dynamo are set to use their new DP signing Boniek Garcia who is a superstar in his native Honduras. The Honduran international looks to solidify his spot in the Houston midfield as an attacking mid or a winger. Garcia looks to have a more prosperous season then some of the more recent big name signings for the Dynamo. Last year they tried Carlo Costly who scored 1 goal in 11 games. Angel Landin the supposed Mexican stud played on 16 games. It will be impressive to see if Boniek could last 20 games.


Prediction: A win would be great but always take a point on the road. The Union are playing the inform LA Galaxy on the 4th of July. The Union can get a victory off the Houston defense it has looked suspect at times. I expect the Union to go in give everything they have and walk away with three points.