Dynamo try for first win over Charlotte FC: What to watch for

(image via Houston Dynamo FC)

The Houston Dynamo are back at Shell Energy Stadium tonight for a match against Charlotte FC. The Dynamo are in good form after last week’s 4-1 win over D.C. United, led by a Sebas Ferreira hat trick. Charlotte come into this match also playing well, having beat the Philadelphia Union 2-0 on the road in their last match.

When: Saturday, June 29 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff

Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, TX

TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)

First Time for Everything

Charlotte FC began playing in MLS in 2022. As a newer team, and being in the Eastern Conference, the Dynamo have only played them twice. Both those matches ended in defeat for Houston. Both those matches also took place at Shell Energy Stadium, including last season’s knockout round Leagues Cup match where Charlotte scored twice in two minutes with that disastros Micael own goal. Charlotte is in good form, so tonight’s match won’t be easy either. You’d be hard pressed to find any team that has won three straight games at Shell Energy Stadium as a visitor, but Charlotte have that chance tonight.

Can I Get an Encore?

Sebas Ferreira’s hat trick stole the headlines last week, and rightfully so. The Paraguayan DP returned to the starting lineup after injuries kept him out much of the early part of the season and he delivered in a big way. Now for his next trick. Head coach Ben Olsen talked this week about the goals giving Ferreira confidence, especially his first goal from the penalty spot. Ferreira likely won’t play much when Ezequiel Ponce arrives, unless the Dynamo change their formation drastically. Ferreira could be putting himself in the shop window with the Dynamo probably trying to offload the striker this summer. More performances like last game will get a once dormant market for Ferreira alive again.

Deano in Charge

Charlotte FC made waves this offseason when they announced the hiring of English manager Dean Smith as their new head coach. Smith managed all over England, most notably at Aston Villa, but he made the trip across the Atlantic with some question marks. Those questions are being answered as Smith has Charlotte in 4th place in the Eastern Conference and unbeaten in their last four. New winger Liel Abada has hit the ground running with three goals and young striker Patrick Agyemang, who scored in Houston last year, has five. Throw in Kerwin Vargas’ four goals and Charlotte have a very dangerous and young front three that can cause problems.

Houston Dynamo – Out: Adalberto Carrasquilla (international duty), Nelson Quinones (knee); Questionable: McKinze Gaines (lower body)

Charlotte FC – Out: Junior Urso (lower leg), Ashley Westwood (yellow card accumulation); Questionable: Brandon Cambridge (thigh)

Predicted Lineup