Dynamo begin Leagues Cup with visit from Atlas
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo begin Leagues Cup play tonight, hosting Atlas of Mexico’s Liga MX at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston will look to ride the momentum from their big 4-3 win on the road against the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend. Atlas played last Friday, beating Puebla 2-1 away from home.
When: Saturday, July 27 | 7:00 PM CT
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Leagues Cup Refresher
2023 was the inaugural year for the full Leagues Cup with all teams from Major League Soccer and Liga MX taking part. The Dynamo lost in the Round of 16 to Charlotte in a game that still gives fans flashbacks. As a refresher, the Leagues Cup teams are broken into groups of three with each team playing twice. Atlas and Real Salt Lake will be Houston’s opposition in the Group Stage. During the Group Stage, all matches must have a winner. If a match is tied after 90 minutes, it will go straight to penalty kicks to determine a winner. If a team wins in regulation they get three points. A win in penalty kicks is two points, while a loss is one point. A loss in regulation time is zero points. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 32 knockouts.
In It To Win It
The Dynamo enter the Leagues Cup, their fourth competition of 2024. Houston has played in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, and the Major League Soccer season. After the Dynamo’s disappointing showing in the Open Cup, they will look to make amends in the Leagues Cup. Head coach Ben Olsen has said he will treat the tournament seriously and that they want to win it. With no league games during the tournament, the Dynamo and all teams will be able to play their first choice lineup. Expect Olsen to send out his best eleven in each of the two group matches, especially with both being at Shell Energy Stadium.
Opening the Atlas
Like the Dynamo, Atlas come into this match in good form. They are currently unbeaten in their first four matches of the Liga MX Apertura, winning their last two. They’re led by 24-year-old attacking midfielder Jeremy Marquez and 25-year-old striker Eduardo Aguirre. Former Dynamo fan favorite Mauro Manotas plays for Atlas and has been out injured. He could make his return at his old home tonight, which is definitely a storyline to be on the lookout for. Two teams in good form should make a for a great match up and if one of them can grab all three points, it will put them in pole position to advance to the next round.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee)
Atlas – Out: none listed
Predicted Lineup
