Dynamo host Austin for first Texas rivalry match of 2024: What to watch for
(image via Travis Gallipo)
The Houston Dynamo are back home at Shell Energy Stadium tonight, hosting in-state rivals Austin FC. Houston picked up a 2-1 win on the road last Saturday against Minnesota United. Austin lost away to St. Louis on Sunday, 1-0. This is the first Texas rivalry match for the Dynamo in 2024, with a trip to Frisco ahead next week.
When: Saturday, April 20 | 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)
Hector returns
Dynamo captain Hector Herrera turned 34 years old yesterday. Herrera will celebrate by making his return to the Houston Dynamo lineup after his offseason injury. The Dynamo have done well in Herrera’s absence but having their captain back is a huge boost. Head coach Ben Olsen spoke yesterday about how excited they are to have Herrera back but knows he and the medical staff have to be cautious and take it slow with the Mexican star. While he won’t start tonight, having him back for 20 or so minutes will be a huge addition to the lineup and should get Shell Energy Stadium loud and on its feet.
Who’s up front?
Herrera won’t be the only player returning for the Dynamo. Designated Player striker Sebas Ferreira is also expected to feature tonight. In Ferreira’s absence, Olsen and staff have tried a number of options at striker. Gabe Segal has gotten his chance and Amine Bassi and Sebastian Kowalczyk has played as “false 9s”. Olsen knows Ferreira gives them something they have been lacking and said “he’s our number 9” in his weekly press conference. Ferreira scored his first goal of the season against San Jose before missing the matches on the road trip. His return will give the Dynamo their goal-scoring threat back, if Sebas can find his form.
Verde and…blue?
Austin’s season has been a little more black and blue so far, with the capital club sitting in 11th in the Western Conference with 9 points from 8 games. Austin lost its last match but won its previous two, its only two wins so far in 2024. They may have struggled early on but this is a rivalry match and the Dynamo know the talent Austin has. Olsen called Sebastian Driussi and Dani Pereira “as good as anyone in this league” and said Austin “will be a difficult match up like every time we play them.” The Dynamo may have a big advantage based on the teams’ form this season but as the old adage goes, you throw the form book out in a derby.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee), Erik Sviatchenko (hamstring); Questionable: Hector Herrera (knee), Franco Escobar (lower body), Sebastian Ferreira (lower body)
Austin FC – Out: Julio Cascante (not due to injury), Leo Väisänen (foot), Owen Wolff (ankle)
Predicted Lineup
