Dynamo try for second regular season win in Portland: What to watch for
(image via Gustavo Trevino)
The Houston Dynamo had never won a regular season MLS game in Portland, until the last day of last season when they beat the Timbers on their way to the MLS Cup Playoffs. Houston will look to pick up their second win in Oregon tonight as they return for another meeting. The Dynamo beat the Timbers 1-0 earlier this season.
When: Saturday, June 1 | 9:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Providence Park; Portland, Oregon
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Ring the Tarbell
Goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday after making ten saves in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over the Colorado Rapids. With Steve Clark out injured, Tarbell has stepped in between the posts and showed that he has what it takes to be a MLS starter. Head coach Ben Olsen reiterated on Friday that Clark is their starter, when he is healthy, but with Xavier Valdez not featuring for Dynamo 2 last night, it looks like Tarbell will get another start against the Timbers. He may not be called on to make another ten saves, but the Dynamo will need their goalkeeper to make some big plays against a dangerous Portland side.
Three’s Company
Wednesday’s win saw the Dynamo score three goals for the first time in MLS play this season. Amine Bassi, Latif Blessing, and Sebastian Kowalczyk scored for Houston in their biggest offensive output since the US Open Cup match against Detroit. Olsen praised Bassi and Kowalczyk’s ability to get into the box and attack crosses into dangerous areas. Blessing scored his second goal in as many games and he has proven to be a dangerous option for the Houston attack. We could see Blessing back in the starting lineup in a front three that features all of the goal scorers from midweek.
Don’t Lose Your Head
Since the last time these two teams played back in March, Portland signed DP striker Jonathan Rodriguez. Known as Cabecita in his time in LigaMX, Rodriguez has come to MLS and immediately paid off. He has six goals and two assists. Rodriguez scored in Wedneday’s win over Austin FC and is joined by other star attackers Antony and Evander. The two Brazilians, along with Rodriguez, will pose a tough task for the Dynamo defense and Tarbell. Portland have scored nine goals in their last four games and Houston will have to be at their best to limit them tonight.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee), McKinze Gaines (lower body); Questionable: Steve Clark (face)
Portland Timbers – Out: Marvin Loria (knee), Larrys Mabiala (upper body)
Predicted Lineup
