The Houston Dynamo travel to California to take on the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night. In December of 2005 the Dynamo were the San Jose Earthquakes until in the middle of that month they were moved to Houston, later changing their name to the Dynamo. The two teams have created somewhat of a rivalry since San Jose reemerged in MLS in 2008. Only three players remain on the Dynamo from the team that moved from San Jose, Brian Ching, Eddie Robinson, and Brad Davis.
Both the Dynamo and Earthquakes come into this game missing players who are on international duty for the Gold Cup. Houston is without midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson (Jamaica) and defenders Jermaine Taylor (Jamaica) and Andre Hainault (Canada). San Jose will be missing midfielder Ryan Johnson (Jamaica) and forward and former Dynamo player Chris Wondolowski (USA). Dynamo rookie defender Kofi Sarkodie is suspended after being sent off in last week’s game against Dallas. As has been the case in many games this season, the Dynamo have a rash of injuries as Brian Ching, Corey Ashe, Danny Cruz, and Cam Weaver are all nursing various bumps and bruises.
With two center backs, Taylor and Hainault, out for the Gold Cup, Geoff Cameron may be moved from midfield back to center back. Cameron played center back for the Dynamo in 2009 when Ricardo Clark and Stuart Holden played in the center midfield. Cameron and Bobby Boswell will be joined in the defense by Hunter Freeman and Corey Ashe, if he is healthy. Veteran Eddie Robinson could see some playing time as well because of injuries and absences.
MLS assist leader Brad Davis leads a midfield that will also see some new faces. Lovel Palmer was not called into the Jamaican national team and will be in the center of the Dynamo midfield. If Cameron is moved to defense, Brad Davis could me moved to the middle. With Davis in the middle, Danny Cruz will likely return on one of the wings after suffering a knee injury. The other wing position is a big question mark. Youngster Alex Dixon is a possibility but we will have to see what coach Dom Kinnear will do. After Spanish signing Koke quit on the team Friday it made the starters at forward very easy. The red hot Cam Weaver will start alongside rookie Will Bruin while veteran Brian Ching still looks to be about a week away from returning.
After a winless May, the Dynamo will look to get off to a good start in June. Houston also will be looking for their first road win of 2011. I don’t want to call this a must win but with the Eastern Conference being so competitive, the Dynamo need this one. I look for a Brad Davis goal in his old stomping grounds and a 2-1 Houston win.
(image courtesy of Anthony Vasser/Houston Dynamo)
