Dynamo host Timbers in return to league play: What to watch for
(image via Aldo Canale)
After being eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup on Tuesday, the Houston Dynamo return to MLS play as they host the Portland Timbers. Houston got a 1-1 draw on the road against the Columbus Crew Tuesday but it wasn’t enough to advance, losing 2-1 on aggregate. Portland played last Saturday, beating New York City FC 2-1 at Yankee Stadium.
When: Saturday, March 16 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV - free
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Reinforcements
Pat Onstad and the Dynamo front office made a trade this week, acquiring Latif Blessing from Toronto FC for cash. Blessing looks to be just the first of much-needed reinforcements for this roster. Another attacking player could get done soon as well, according to reports from Matt Doyle of mlssoccer.com. Blessing brings the Dynamo a lot of versatiity with the ability to play almost anywhere on the field. Head coach Ben Olsen spoke yesterday about Blessing’s versatility but also the need to find a place for him in the lineup so he’s able to get comfortable and establish relationships with the rest of the team. Olsen said he sees him in the 8/10 and tucked in right wing role that Coco Carrasquilla plays. Carrasquilla will miss a number of games this season on national team duty with Panama, starting next weekend, so Blessing will get a chance to play quite a bit.
Healing hamstrings
Reinforcements may be on the way for the Dynamo from within their own locker room as well. Forward Sebas Ferreira, who injured his hamstring in the first Champions Cup match against St. Louis, is healing ahead of schedule. Olsen said he should be back “soon” and said soon could mean next week or two weeks. Ferreira has been upgraded from out to questionable on this week’s availability report. Ferreira will be a welcome addition back to the lineup for a team struggling to score goals. If Ferreira can return and pick up his preseason form, the Dynamo will be in much better hands going into this summer with their DP striker.
Neville’s Timbers
The Portland Timbers sit at the top of the Western Conference this season with two wins and a draw from their first three matches. New head coach Phil Neville has come in and revitalized this Timbers squad. A lot of their roster is the same as last season but some of their big stars have stepped up in 2024. Brazilians Evander and Antony are the players to watch on a Portland attack that has scored eight goals in their three matches. Olsen knows the Dynamo have to score goals against a team he called “ a handful” in his press conference.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Hector Herrera (knee), Nelson Quinones (knee); Questionable: Erik Sviatchenko (hamstring), Sebastian Ferreira (hamstring)
Portland Timbers – Out: Claudio Bravo (knee), Marvin Loria (knee), Felipe Mora (foot); Questionable: Zac McGraw (knee)
Predicted Lineup
