Dynamo look to stay perfect on the road: What to watch for
(image via Diego Martinez)
The Houston Dynamo will look for their third straight win as they host the San Jose Earthquakes at Shell Energy Stadium tonight. Houston scored late in stoppage time to beat the Colorado Rapids 1-0 last Saturday night.
When: Saturday, April 6 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Soldier Field; Chicago, Illinois
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Captain coming back
If you have spent any time on social media this week you will have seen images of Hector Herrera back in training. Glenn Davis has reported that his sources are telling him Herrera is targeting the April 20 match against Austin FC to return. The return of the Dynamo captain will be a huge boost after his Best XI season in 2023. Head coach Ben Olsen said in his press conference that his return is close, but he didn’t want to put a date on it. In the meantime, Jan Gregus will consider filling in quite well. He is no Herrera, but Gregus is having a great season, completing 91.8% of his passes with an impressive 25 progressive passes in 319 minutes.
Clash of styles
We tweeted (posted) earlier this week about the Dynamo leading the league in number of passes attempted per game and passing percentage. Houston also has the highest possession in MLS with a whopping 61.4% In contrast, Chicago has just 47.3% this season and is middle of the road in passing numbers. The Fire have also conceded the most goals in MLS, tied with San Jose with 13. Will a clash of styles be difficult for the Dynamo? Olsen knows what Chicago can do but is confident in his team and the way they play. Don’t expect any differences as the Dynamo will want to hold the ball and pass it around to find their opportunities to put out the Fire.
We didn’t start the Fire
Will the real Xherdan Shaqiri please stand up? Ok, you don’t have to do it today. The Fire’s big DP signing has been more miss than hit in his time in the Windy City. With his contract ending this year, it sounds like his time in Chicago is numbered. As Olsen said this week, however, Shaqiri is world-class. He may not be world-class at all times, but he has the ability to turn it on and change a game. The Swiss attacker, paired with fellow DP Hugo Cuypers can find the net. The Dynamo defense will want to keep an eye, and a foot or two, on them at all times.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Hector Herrera (knee), Nelson Quinones (knee); Questionable: Coco Carrasquilla (lower body), Micael (lower body), Sebastian Ferreira (lower body)
Chicago Fire – Out: Chase Gasper (leg), Andrew Gutman (leg)
Predicted Lineup
