The defending Eastern Conference champion Houston Dynamo open the 2013 MLS season this evening as they host DC United in a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Final. The Dynamo won that tie 4-2 on aggregate thanks in part to a 3-1 home win in the first leg.
The big news coming in to this match is the suspension of former Dynamo midfielder Dwayne De Rosario. De Rosario, a former league MVP, was suspended for the first two matches after the season after headbutting Philadelphia's Danny Cruz in a preseason match. With the Canadian international sidelined, DC will look to the dynamic Chris Pontius to lead the way.
The Dynamo come in to the match looking to keep their unbeaten run at BBVA Compass Stadium in tact. Houston did not lose a competitive match at home in 2012 and last lost at home way back in July 2011 while still playing at Robertson Stadium. Last season's curtain raiser at BBVA Compass Stadium also saw DC United as visitors, a 1-0 victory.
The Dynamo will look to jump on DC early and get the home crowd in the match. With a big Champions League match against Mexican giants Santos Laguna looming on Tuesday, it will be interesting to see what kind of lineup the Dynamo play. Coach Kinnear always puts league play first so I'd expect a first team eleven tonight. I look for Will Bruin to stay hot and Boniek Garcia and Brad Davis to drive the Dynamo attack on the flanks. A 2-1 Dynamo win kicks off the 2013 season in fine fashion.
(image courtesy of mlssoccer.com)
