Dynamo close regular season series with San Jose: What to watch for
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo welcome in the San Jose Earthquakes tonight at Shell Energy Stadium. The Quakes won the first duel this year, 2-1 back in April, and the Dynamo will look to even the series out in the heat. The Dynamo are coming off back-to-back wins over LAFC, most recently winning 1-0 in Los Angeles last Wednesday. San Jose played on Saturday, a 0-0 draw with Portland.
When: Wednesday, June 21 | 7:39 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: ESPN 97.5 FM (English), TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Familiar foe
Houston and San Jose will forever be linked in Major League Soccer history. The bad blood is probably stronger on the Bay Area side but there might be some regret from Houston regarding Chris Wondolowski and the big what ifs. The teams know each other well and already went head-to-head earlier this season, which feels like an eternity ago. The Quakes got the best out of Houston, in a game that saw nothing but penalties being scored, ending 2-1 in San Jose’s favor. This match also began the starting left back carousel after a hard challenge by Quakes defender Carlos Akapo sidelined Tate Schmitt with a knee injury. Will Houston get some payback against San Jose? “We are preparing for San Jose, who is a very good team,” Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen said on Monday. “We saw that when we went away, and they beat us in their place. We remember some of the good, some of the bad and some of the issues that they pose. They're a tricky team. They’re well-coached, and I think on both sides of the ball they have some wrinkles that we have to be cautious of. Hopefully, our home energy and form get us through. We'll have to be composed, understand the elements and make sure we play a smart game. We’re looking forward to it.”
Unbeaten at home against Cali teams
The Dynamo’s form at home has been outstanding this year. In the ten games that Houston have played at home, including the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the team has won nine games and has only conceded two goals. San Jose are the third and final team from California to visit Shell Energy Stadium during the regular season. The LA Galaxy and Chicharito stopped by in April, just to leave Houston with a 3-0 defeat. Carlos Vela and LAFC had it worse in Houston, leaving with a 4-0 beat down. The Dynamo will hope to remain unbeaten against the Golden State teams, bringing them Hell in the Shell. “It’s very hot in Houston,” Dynamo midfielder Amine Bassi said. “It’s very difficult for training and the games. It’s very hot, but the team is preparing for every game in the heat at training. Everybody will be ready.”
International window
The Concacaf Gold Cup is around the corner, with the first match taking place on Saturday, June 24th when the United States take on Jamaica. Houston will once again be without Coco Carrasquilla, who will feature in the Panamanian national team squad. He will be at least out until the first week of July, if Panama can’t make it out of the group stage. San Jose will be without Cade Cowell who was called up to the USMNT for the tournament.
Availability Report
Houston Dynamo - Out: Ifunanyachi Achara (knee), Teenage Hadebe (leg), Tate Schmitt (knee), Coco Carrasquilla (international duty)
San Jose Earthquakes – Out: Michael Baldisimo (upper body), Cade Cowell (international duty), Carlos Gruezo (international duty), Nathan (ACL), Miguel Trauco (international duty)
Predicted Lineup
