Expectations for the Dynamo in June
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo limped out of the month of May, licking their wounds after a 6-2 loss in Vancouver. It would be great to say that June will be an easier month for Ben Olsen’s team, but that is furthest from the truth. Tough opponents and tough stadiums to visit are in Houston’s near future. Let’s look at what June brings.
St. Louis – June 3 (Away)
Major League Soccer’s newest member has been taking the league by storm. St. Louis is currently standing in second place in the Western Conference. They have the best goal difference at +15 with only 13 regular season games played, scoring 29 goals, and conceding 14. Houston might find themselves picking the ball out of their net often once again on Saturday night.
Chicago (USOC) – June 6 (Away)
The Dynamo have been outstanding during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup this year. However, they haven’t had much success on the road against MLS competition. Their only road win this season was against Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship in the Third Round of USOC. The Fire have won the prestigious tournament four times in the past and are hungry to add a fifth to their trophy case. Will Houston survive and advance?
LAFC – June 10 (Home)
LAFC might be the CONCACAF Champions League winner by the time this match comes around. Carlos Vela and company are just at a different level, above most teams in MLS. The Black and Gold are just a point away from first place in the Western Conference and have played four games less than the Seattle Sounders, who top the standings. Incredible. However, they have struggled playing in Houston in the past and we’ll see if that is the case here once again.
LAFC – June 14 (Away)
Okay, take everything mentioned above and tweak the ending by saying that LAFC playing at home in front of “The 3252” amplifies their chances of dominating and winning the match. Houston has never beaten LAFC in their home stadium in their short history.
San Jose – June 21 (Home)
The Earthquakes are having a great season under first year manager Luchi Gonzalez. The team’s chemistry continues to increase each game and having a playmaker like Cristian Espinoza playing at such a high level, the Quakes will hope it carries them into the playoffs. Plus, they just picked up their first road win of the season in Seattle.
Austin FC – June 24 (Away)
Playing Austin at Shell Energy Stadium has yielded great results for the Dynamo, but Houston on the road is “no bueno”. Los Verdes seem to be waking up this season, getting back Sebastian Driussi from injury recently. Can Houston sweep the series against Austin this year? It seems doubtful, but due expect a good Texas duel.
Expectations:
Houston Dynamo fans have been conditioned to witness a big drop off every year when summer rolls around. In all honesty, looking at the games at hand, it’s hard to argue against it. Away games for Houston tend to be filled with disappointment, more than happy memories lately. If the Dynamo can manage to win both their home games against the California teams, content should fill the atmosphere. If it was up to me, I would likely put my eggs in one basket and try to win at Chicago, to try and advance in the Open Cup. The match in St. Louis this weekend will be a tale tell sign of Ben Olsen’s approach for June.
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