The Houston Dynamo are making their return to the MLS playoffs after missing out for the first time in team history last season. The Dynamo finished second place in the Eastern Conference and will play a two leg semifinal against the Philadelphia Union. These teams met twice this year with the Union winning the opening game of the season in Houston 1-0 and they played to a 1-1 draw later in the season at PPL Park, the site of this Sunday’s match.
Houston comes into the postseason fully healthy with the exception of forward Cam Weaver who is still out after having hip surgery. MVP candidate Brad Davis leads a formidable Dynamo attack which has not been held scoreless since September 10th. Honduran international Carlo Costly scored his first MLS goal on Sunday and could be a big key for the Houston attack if he can find his goal scoring form. His partnership up front with Captain Brian Ching can give opposing defenses headaches with their great aerial game and the great service Davis provides.
The Dynamo defense has been good of late allowing just 3 goals in their last 5 games. They will have to play well again as a unit to stymie the Union attack. Goalkeeper Tally Hall will make his playoff debut and like in hockey where a hot goaltender can lead you to a championship, the Dynamo hope their young keeper can do the same.
With this being the first of a two leg tie, the Dynamo would definitely be happy to return home to Robertson Stadium with a draw. I would look for them to play with this mindset with Geoff Cameron and Adam Moffat likely playing deeper in the central midfield. If they can steal a goal and a win then even better but I’d look for a 0-0 draw in this match with the tie being decided next Thursday in Houston.
(image courtesy of Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
