There comes a point in every season that will be looked back at as a turning point, good or bad. This week could be that point for the Dynamo. Starting tonight, the Dynamo will play 3 home games in the next 7 days. In a very close Eastern Conference this week could play a huge part in the Dynamo’s playoff chances. The Dynamo even have a new slogan on their website, “3 Games. 7 Days. 9 Points. One Week Changes Everything.” The first of 3 matches is against DC United. Houston and DC have met twice this year with each team winning at home.
DC United will become the first team to visit BBVA Compass Stadium twice. The first visit from the Red and Black was May 12, the first match at BBVA. Brad Davis’ wonder strike gave Houston a 1-0 win in that match and the Dynamo will look to remain unbeaten at home tonight. United have not played a league match in over 2 weeks, beating Montreal 3-0 on June 30. The Dynamo are coming off consecutive 0-0 draws against Chicago and at Sporting Kansas City.
With back to back scoreless draws the Dynamo defense has looked great but the offense is still sputtering. The new 4-3-3 formation has not produced goals. The return of Calen Carr from injury could help the offense greatly. Mac Kandji has been playing wide in the new formation but Kandji is not a wide player. Carr is a winger and should fit in nicely on the flank opposite Boniek Garcia. If Boniek and Carr can provide pace and service out wide Will Bruin will be able to do what he does best, score goals.
DC United will be a tough test for the Dynamo defense but they will be able to look back at their last meeting as proof that they can shut them down. Reigning MVP Dwayne De Rosario leads the potent United attack. Look for Adam Moffat to shadow De Rosario and try to keep the Canadian at bay. Forward Chris Pontius has 9 goals on the season and will have to be watched closely by the Dynamo center backs.
Speaking of Dynamo center backs, Geoff Cameron’s transfer status is still up in the air. Reports have claimed a deal is done while other reports say there is no deal. We should know tonight if a deal is still in play by whether or not Cameron plays. If the deal is still being discussed Cameron will not play. The team, and the league, can not risk him being injured and jeopardizing the deal. If a deal is not imminent coach Kinnear will have his best defender in the lineup.
These next 3 home matches are huge and it starts with this difficult match up tonight. In order to get 9 points this week, obviously a win is needed in the first game. The last match against DC was in the mid day heat and United looked to tire in the second half. Perry Kitchen leaving that match because of injury also helped the Dynamo control the midfield. The midfield again will be a big key. Look for the Dynamo to try and win possession and the midfield then go forward on the wings. If Will Bruin can regain his form, the Dynamo win 2-1. If Bruin still looks lost in the new formation, look for another 0-0 draw or a 1-1 stalemate.
(image courtesy of houstondynamo.com)
