Dynamo host Vancouver looking to climb Western Conference standings
(image via Ricky Vega)
The Houston Dynamo are back in action for a midweek match with big playoff implications. Houston is coming off a big 4-1 at home Saturday against Real Salt Lake. Vancouver also played on Saturday, beating the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 in Canada.
When: Wednesday, September 18 | 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 Hurt
After assisting Griffin Dorsey on Houston’s second goal Saturday, captain Hector Herrera had to leave the match with an injury. It turned out to be a hamstring injury for the Dynamo captain but luckily won’t be long term. General manager Pat Onstad and head coach Ben Olsen both spoke to media on Tuesday and commented that Herrera’s injury is week-to-week and not long-term. Onstad even speculated Herrera could return for the September 28th match in Seattle, but more likely will be back to 90-minutes fit in the next match against New England. Olsen and Onstad both also mentioned Coco Carrasquilla’s natural position being where Herrera plays, meaning the Dynamo could plug the Panamanian in and theoretically not miss a beat. Olsen made it a point that you simply can’t replace Herrera but there are players ready to step up in the captain’s absence.
Something About Vancouver
The Dynamo offense exploded for four goals Saturday night and now they face an opponent that seems to bring out the high-scoring matches. Houston won 4-3 earlier this season in Vancouver, in Ezequiel Ponce’s debut. Last season, the Dynamo won 4-1 in Houston and lost 6-2 in their trip to Canada. Another seven or eight goal thriller might not be good for fans’ nerves but it would certainly add some life to a midweek match.
In-Form Caps
Since losing at home to the Dynamo in July, Vancouver hasn’t lost a league match. They did lose a friendly to Wrexham, playing kids, and were eliminated in Leagues Cup by Pumas. Ryan Gauld, who got injured early in the loss to Houston in July, is back. The Scotland international had two assists on Saturday and a goal in the win against Austin on August 31. Former Dynamo winger Fafa Picault scored twice against his old team in the last match and will no doubt be looking to exact some more revenge at Shell Energy Stadium.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Lawrence Ennali (knee), Nelson Quinones (knee), Gabe Segal (head), Hector Herrera (hamstring)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Out: Ali Ahmed (quad), Max Anchor (finger)
Predicted Lineup
