The Eastern Conference playoff picture changes every week and with recent success, the Houston Dynamo are right in the thick of it. After beating Portland 2-1 on Sunday, the Dynamo are back in action tonight as they take on the New England Revolution in Foxboro, MA. Houston will look for their first road win of the season and get valuable points in their chase for the MLS playoffs.
Houston and New England met early this season on April 17th in Houston when a Hunter Freeman controversial goal gave the Dynamo a 1-0 win. Freeman appeared to have the ball go in off his hand but the goal was given and the Dynamo got the three points. Houston comes into the game with a 7-7-10 record and tied for third place in the East with New York. New England has struggled this season as evidenced by their 4-11-9 record.
The Revolution will be without Rajko Lekic and Sainey Nyassi due to injury while Houston will not have Will Bruin or Danny Cruz available, also due to injury. Outside midfielder Colin Clark left Sunday’s match with a knee injury and his status for tonight is questionable. If Clark can’t go, look for Corey Ashe to possibly be moved up to the midfield with Jermaine Taylor or Kofi Sarkodie sliding in for Ashe in the defense.
Carlo Costly got his first start in MLS on Sunday and will likely pair with Brian Ching up top against New England. With two big forwards up front and the great service from MLS assist leader Brad Davis, the Houston offense is dangerous. Adam Moffat and Geoff Cameron have played very well together in the central midfield both going forward and defensively.
New England designated player Benny Feilhaber scored a great goal Saturday against Columbus and he will have to be on form again tonight if New England want to take three points. I look for the Dynamo to come out with intensity, knowing that they have put themselves in a great position for the playoffs thanks to a three game unbeaten streak. They won’t look past New England (they play Real Salt Lake Saturday) because they have long been a rival of the Dynamo since the 2006 MLS Cup. Costly’s first MLS goal gives the Houston a close 1-0 win and their first road win.
(image courtesy of Anthony Vasser/Houston Dynamo)
