Dynamo hunt for more points in Pacific Northwest
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo are back in the Pacific Northwest for the second weekend in a row. Houston got a 0-0 draw in Seattle against the Sounders last Saturday. Tonight’s opponent, the Portland Timbers, are coming off a big 3-0 win on the road against the Colorado Rapids in their last match.
When: Sunday, March 30 | 6:10 PM CT kickoff
Where: Providence Park; Portland, Oregon
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Reinforcements on the Way
As injuries continue to pile up for this Dynamo team, reinforcements are now on the way. The club announced the signings of defender Pablo Ortiz and attacker Ondrej Lingr this week. Both players, especially Lingr who is a Designated Player, should be in the starting lineup as soon as they are cleared to play. That will not be today, however, as both still have to get their visas sorted out. Either way, the front office going out and getting two signings could provide a shot in the arm for a team that definitely needs one.
Who is in Goal?
Andrew Tarbell is already out for the season and backup goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer has been ruled out for this match with a lower body injury. That means rookie Blake Gillingham will get the start in goal against Portland. Gillingham came in for Maurer after his injurt in Seattle to make his MLS debut and made some good saves to help keep the clean sheet. Olsen called Gillingham “a good goalkeeper and he knows what he’s doing” this week in his pre-match press conferece. He also said he’s pumped for Blake. It’s a huge stage and opportunity for the rookie to show what he’s got. Dynamo 2 goalkeeper Pedro Cruz traveled with the first team to Portland and will be Gillingham’s backup.
Tough Timbers
Portland comes into this match on the back of that big win over the Rapids and they seem to be healthy and clicking. New signing David Da Costa, who replaced Evander as the Timbers playmaker, is great on the ball and picking out a pass. Santiago Moreno is back and gives Portland another threat on the wing. Antony, on the other wing, scored last week and is yet another threat up front. Couple that attack with the bite in midfield of veteran Diego Valeri and youngster David Ayala and this Portland side will be another big test for the Dynamo.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Lawrence Ennali (knee), Nelson Quinones (knee), Duane Holmes (lower leg), Andrew Tarbell (knee), Jimmy Maurer (lower body); Questionable: Erik Sviatchenko (lower body), Ethan Bartlow (lower body)
Portland Timbers – Out: Miguel Araujo (not due to injury), Jonathan Rodriguez (knee); Questionable: Eric Miller (lower body)
Predicted Lineup
