Dynamo face Toluca test in Leagues Cup knockout round
(image via Gustavo Trevino)
The Houston Dynamo are into the Round of 32 in Leagues Cup after a big win Monday over Real Salt Lake. The Dynamo will take on Liga MX side Toluca tonight at Shell Energy Stadium with a place in the Round of 16 on the line. Toluca won their Leagues Cup group as well, beating MLS clubs Chicago Fire and Sporting Kansas City.
When: Friday, August 9 | 7:30 PM CT
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Keep the Momentum
The Dynamo needed a big result in Monday to stay alive in this tournament and they came out firing in the first half to get the job done. The 3-0 win over Real Salt Lake won the group for Houston and sent RSL home early. Midfielder Artur spoke in the pre-match press conference about how the team came out and played with a higher level and intensity against RSL, knowing what was at stake. The Brazilian said that is now something they need to carry into every match. This Dynamo side has shown they can rise to the occasion in knockout tournaments and they’re still looking to make amends for what happened earlier this year at home in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Expect an inspired and hungry team in orange tonight.
Who’s in Goal?
Andrew Tarbell got a surprising start in the do-or-die match against RSL and the Dynamo’s backup goalkeeper rose to the occasion with a clean sheet and six saves. Head coach Ben Olsen said in his press conference Thursday that he feels like the team has two starter-quality goalkeeoers but did reiterate that Steve Clark is their starter and that Tarbell occasionally needs minutes to stay sharp. Olsen also said Tarbell helps push Clark and raises both of their levels. The depth and competition now on this roster, not just at the goalkeeper position, is something Olsen said the club has lacked in recent years and is “healthy”. It gives him sleepless nights and he has to manage some personalities because players want to play but it makes the Dynamo better, and that is what is most important.
Tough Toluca
The Dynamo played a Liga MX team, Atlas, in the group stage and were beaten 1-0. Atlas came into that match unbeaten in league play and in great form. Houston will now play their second Liga MX team of the tournament, with similar circumstances. Toluca are also unbeaten in the Liga MX season, so far, and have not lost since May 8. Toluca have won four of their last five matches, including both their Leagues Cup gorup stage matches. Both Olsen and Artur spoke about how Toluca is a veryy attack-minded team, different than what they are used to seeing from most teams they face. Toluca sometimes throw six players into the attack and can really pressure the defense. Of course, as Olsen pointed out, there is a trade-off there as it can leave them more susceptible in their defense. This should be a great match up and another tough test for the Dynamo against Mexican opposition.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee)
Toluca – none listed
Predicted Lineup
