Dynamo and RSL set for another clash at Shell
(image via Ricky Vega)
The Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake will once again link up, this time back at Shell Energy Stadium in a match with big playoff implications. Houston is coming off a 0-0 draw at home last Saturday against LAFC. RSL was off last weekend, their last match was a 2-0 win over New England Revolution on August 31.
When: Saturday, September 14 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Oh, You Again
Houston and Salt Lake will meet for the eight time in all competitions since last August. Their last encounter was a dominating 3-0 win for the Dynamo at home on August 5 to advance in Leagues Cup play. Including penalty shootouts in the playoffs, the home team has won the last five meetings between these two clubs. Real Salt Lake’s last win in Houston came way back in 2018, a 2-1 win with two goals in stoppage time. With six points seperating RSL in third place and Houston in 7th, this match will once again have big stakes, as has many of the meetings of late between these new rivals.
Magical Micael
Dynamo center back Micael is no secret to fans in Houston. The Brazilian center back is now beginning to turn heads nationally, with writers like Matt Doyle and Tom Bogert singing his praises. Head coach Ben Olsen said Friday that his young defender deserves praise and he is developing very well with assistant coach Aurelien Collin, who was a center back himself in Major League Soccer. With Collin’s tutelage and playing alongside veteran Erik Sviatchenko, Micael has thrust himself into the conversation for MLS Defender of the Year.
New Look Royalty
Even though the Dynamo have seemingly played RSL every other week, they come into this match with some new faces since the last meeting. New number ten Diogo Goncalves is a great complement alongside Diego Luna to drive the Salt Lake attack forward. They also added Australian winger Lachlan Brook to their offense. U22 signing Dominik Marczuk is also getting integrated into the team with the Polish striker giving head coach Pablo Mastroeni even more options. Olsen said in his pre-match press conference that they have scouted these new players and they know how dangerous they can be. Olsen complimented the way Mastroeni has this RSL team playing and they will once again be a test for the Dynamo.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Lawrence Ennali (knee), Nelson Quinones (knee), Gabe Segal (head), Franco Escobar (yellow card accumulation)
Real Salt Lake – Out: Kevin Bonilla (knee), Pablo Ruiz (knee); Questionable: Nelson Palacio (knee), Brayan Vera (neck)
Predicted Lineup
