Dynamo visit Columbus looking to keep CCC hopes alive: What to watch for

(image via Aldo Canale)

The Houston Dynamo’s full focus all week has been the prestigious CONCACAF Champions Cup tournament. Ben Olsen’s team conceded a late goal last week that gave Columbus the advantage in the series heading into tonight’s second leg. While Houston has the ability to get back into the match, playing on the road against the current MLS Cup winners will be a steep hill to climb.

When: Tuesday, March 12 | 5:06 PM CT kickoff

Where: Lower.com Field; Columbus, Ohio

TV/Stream: FS1 (English), ViX (Spanish)

Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)

Rested

Houston had an MLS regular season bye over the weekend that gave the squad extra rest before the second leg of the Round of 16 against the Crew. The roster has been plagued with injuries in 2024, so having more days to recharge can do wonders for the Dynamo. Columbus, on the other hand, played on Saturday against Chicago Fire. Wilfred Nancy’s team scored another late winner in that match which saw many of the same players start from their midweek match against Houston.

Panama to Nigeria Connection

Not a lot of things have gone Houston’s way this season when it comes to the health of some of the players. Hector Herrera’s absence has had Ben Olsen scrambling on who can be his replacement while the captain is out. Coco Carrasquilla seems to have stepped up for the challenge in 2024. Carrasquilla played well, creating attacking opportunities with his vision and passing range in recent matches. And no one has been benefited more than Aliyu Ibrahim. Aliyu looks like a new man out in the wide role that he currently sits in. The connection between these two players could be the key to unlocking the game for the Dynamo.

Underdogs

Many will already have the Columbus Crew on to the next round, even before the ball gets kicked at Lower.com Field tonight. The Houston Dynamo might be alright with being the underdogs here today, as at this point in everyone’s eyes the tournament has ended for them. But in all reality, while the scorelines have not been favorable for Houston so far in the year, they have played very well in each fixture they have played in. Now, can they catch a break and score the goals that the team has missed in front of net? If so, an upset could happen in Columbus.

Houston Dynamo – Out: Sebastian Ferreira (hamstring), Hector Herrera (knee), Nelson Quinones (knee)

Columbus Crew – Questionable: Alexandru Matan (thigh)

Predicted Lineup