Expectations for the Dynamo’s busy May
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo had an unexpected schedule change when the match against LAFC was moved to June, instead of taking place this past weekend. Maybe the fixture getting pushed was a blessing in disguise for the Dynamo after all, going into what will be a very busy month of May.
Real Salt Lake – May 6 (Home)
This Saturday the Dynamo will host Real Salt Lake. The Claret and Cobalt have a very similar playing style as Houston. A goal could be the only difference, likely a set piece. The pressure adds on as the team continues to chase perfection at home.
Sporting Kansas City (USOC) – May 10 (Home)
Elimination matches are just so different than regular season games. Add a rival opposition and you are likely to get a competitive match. Kansas City is struggling in the league, but they would love to take down Houston at home and knock them out of the tournament.
Seattle Sounders – May 13 (Home)
No matter the outcome against RSL, the Sounders will be the toughest test that Houston will face this far in the season. The chances of the Sounders handing Houston their first loss at home is very high. However, Ben Olsen will prepare his team for a battle against Jordan Morris and company.
Minnesota United – May 17 (Away)
The first road trip in May has the team facing off against the Loons on a Wednesday. Minnesota had a rough month in April and are hoping that form doesn’t repeat again this month. Houston will look to start picking up points while playing away from Shell Energy Stadium.
FC Dallas – May 20 (Away)
Back-to-back away trips here, this one against fierce rival FC Dallas in the first Texas Derby of the year. Both teams will look to win at all costs, rankings and results before this match goes out the window. That is all.
Austin FC – May 27 (Home)
The Verdes will make their way to Houston for the second time this season. The first didn’t go as planned for Austin and their visiting fan base, as Houston won their home opener sending them back home on a sad bus drive back. Houston will need to stand their ground once more.
Vancouver Whitecaps – May 31 (Away)
The last match in May will be a trip to Cascadia when Houston takes on Vancouver. The Whitecaps began the season with two defeats and since then have not tasted defeat. Of course, they will have a few games before hosting Houston but consider this fixture a must win for Vancouver.
This will be a rigorous month for Ben Olsen and the Houston Dynamo. The team comes into May with two games in hand and standing in a playoff spot. The month of May will be vital to remain in the race, to break the curse, and make it to the playoffs by the end of the season. Go ahead and look back at the opponents that the Dynamo will take on this month, all of them are from the Western Conference.
There is a lot on the line with 18 points up for grabs and a US Open Cup trophy at stake. Which, if Houston survives and advances, would add another match to the already hectic month of May. What would be a fair number of points that Houston could obtain this month? I think that winning at home will be difficult in May, and the team has also only earned one point on the road.
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