Dynamo host Toronto FC in return to MLS play
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo are back to regular season play in Major League Soccer as they host Toronto FC tonight at Shell Energy Stadium. The league took a break for Leagues Cup and the Dynamo and Toronto both went out in the Round of 32, to Toluca and Miami respectively.
When: Saturday, August 24 | 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)
It’s Been A While
Houston and Toronto have not played each other since 2019, which seems like a lifetime ago. The last time the teams met in Houston was April of 2018, a 5-1 Dynamo win. The two teams will renew acquaintances tonight after five years. The Dynamo are unbetaen in their last seven home matches against TFC with two wins and five draws. Toronto picked a bad time to head south too, as the August summer heat in Houston is in full force.
Someone Left Out
Left wing for the Dynamo has become a point of contention among the fanbase with many wanting to see Lawrence Ennali take over the starting role from Aliyu Ibrahim. The Nigerian fits what the Dynamo do very well, getting into channels and on the end of progressive passes from Amine Bassi and Hector Herrera, but Ennali’s dynamic speed has made everyone take notice. Head coach Ben Olsen has spoken how both players give the team something different and Ennali’s pace and directness seems to be well suited for coming into games in the second half. Aliyu will likely start again tonight but as Ennali continues to grow and learn his new team, we could see the German break into the starting eleven soon.
Italian Duo
Toronto FC’s Italian duo of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi have combined for 12 goals and 9 assists this season. Insigne is questionable for tonight’s match after reportedly picking up a thigh injury in training this week. Canadian international Jonathan Osorio is a player to watch in the midfield. Richie Laryea can be dangerous out wide as well in head coach John Herdman’s system and him on the left could pose problems for Griffin Dorsey and the Dynamo who like to stay forward on their right side.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee); Questionable: Coco Carrasquilla (quad)
Toronto FC– Out: Alonso Coello (thigh), Raoul Petretta (yellow card accumulation); Questionable: Nicksoen Gomis (thigh), Lorenzo Insigne (thigh), Tyrese Spicer (lower back)
Predicted Lineup
