Dynamo make trip to nation’s capital to take on D.C. United: What to watch for
(image via Diego Martinez)
The Houston Dynamo return to the east coast tonight for a visit to D.C. United. The Dynamo are coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw against the Seattle Sounders Wednesday night in a game they led 2-0 in the second half. D.C. also played midweek, losing 1-0 at home to Atlanta United.
When: Saturday, June 22 | 6:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Audi Field; Washington, D.C.
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Olsen’s Return
Dynamo head coach spent most of his career at D.C. United, both as a player and coach. Tonight will mark his first match back in D.C. since leaving in 2020. Olsen played for United from 1998 to 2009, making 221 appearances. He then became head coach of D.C. in 2010, spending 10 years at the helm and winning a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and MLS Coach of the Year along the way. D.C. fans still love Olsen and the fans and club will likely give him a very warm reception. Knowing Ben, he will be proud of that but more focused on his team finding a way to get three points.
Deja Vu All Over Again
A 2-2 score line isn’t what you would consider a popular result in soccer. With that being said, the Dynamo have now had three straight games end with that score. A fourth seems crazy but, it’s all down to the Houston defense showing marked improvement. The back line has been a strength of the Dynamo under Olsen but costly errors have cost the team of late. Olsen and his staff have no doubt been working to clean this up and we should see an improvement tonight. If they can get back to posting clean sheets and limiting team’s chance, this could be another road result for Houston in 2024.
Big Benteke
Christian Benteke is a force to be reckoned with. The Belgian striker is currently second in MLS in goals scored with 13. One thing that makes Benteke so good is his domination in the air. He has won a staggering 197 aerial duels this season. The second highest in all of MLS is 72. Micael and Erik Sviatchenko are big, physical center backs who do well against forwards like Benteke but this match up presents a new, unique challenge. Keeping Benteke quiet, and out of the air, will be key to the Dynamo leaving D.C. with points.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Adalberto Carrasquilla (international duty), Nelson Quinones (knee); Questionable: McKinze Gaines (lower body)
D.C. United – Out: Conner Antley (knee), Steven Birnbaum (knee), Russell Canouse (not due to injury), Kristian Fletcher (ankle), Jackson Hopkins (back), Christopher McVey (knee)
Predicted Lineup
