The Dynamo travel to Vancouver Saturday to take on the expansion Whitecaps. This game presents a chance for the Dynamo to get their first road win in the 2011 MLS season and also their first win in Canada. This is Houston’s first visit to Vancouver but in 5 previous trips north of the border the Dynamo have a 0-2-3 record in Toronto.
Houston comes into this game on a 5 game unbeaten streak after Alex Dixon’s last second winner gave the Dynamo a 3-2 win over Real Salt Lake last Saturday. Midfielder Adam Moffat will return this week after serving a suspension for a red card against New England and will likely return to the starting lineup. New Brazilian signing Luiz Camargo is also available this week and could make his debut. Will Bruin is still recovering from knee surgery and is listed as doubtful for the match.
Alain Rochat could return in defense for Vancouver after missing the last 2 games. Last week’s goal scorer Camilo will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation. Vancouver has struggled during their expansion season with just 3 wins in 25 matches. The Dynamo and Whitecaps met in Houston in April with Houston winning 3-1. This is the best chance for the Dynamo to get their first road win. It may be their last chance as well as their last 4 road games are at Sporting KC, Columbus, Dallas, and Portland, all tough opponents.
With the Dynamo now in playoff position and teams hot on their heels, 3 points is a key in every remaining game. A draw on the road is normally a decent result but a single point in Vancouver would be a disappointment. Brad Davis drives the Dynamo and his delivery on set pieces is arguably the best in the league. If the Houston defense can contain dynamic Whitecap DP Eric Hassli, a win is in the cards. I see goals from Canadian Andre Hainault and Brian Ching giving the Dynamo a 2-1 win.
(image courtesy of Anthony Vasser/Houston Dynamo)
