Houston Dynamo at Portland Timbers - staff picks
(image via Diego Martinez)
The Houston Dynamo will try to get their second win in four days as they take on Portland. We asked our staff to weigh in on if the Dynamo can get a win against the Timbers tonight.
Cristian - 2-1 Dynamo win
(Record: 4-10)
Houston and Portland have one of the closest head to head match ups and lately watching these two go at it you never what the outcome will be. Houston has been a lot better on the road and this might be one of those three points away from home that will matter when the calculators come out for the playoff picture. Let HH cook and Aliyu have more progressive carries.
Rudy - 1-1 draw
(Record: 6-8)
With the international break coming up, I think Ben Olsen will be aggressive and let his team loose in Portland. The Timbers are heating up again, but the Dynamo will likely hold most of the possession, and will add a road point in the Northwest.
Manny - 0-0 draw
(Record: 3-11)
After a huge win at home during midweek, many would think that the Dynamo will be back to continue the run. They have tired legs and away at Portland isn’t easy. A tie will be a great result before the international window.
Joey - 1-1 draw
(Record: 5-9)
The Dynamo will carry the momentum from a great performance against Colorado into a tough road environment against a team who’s in good form. Expect both teams to look tired from their midweek fixtures, and they’ll play a boring 1-1 draw.
Dustyn - 2-0 Dynamo loss
(Record: 3-11)
Portland are a much different team from when these teams met earlier in the season. Jonathan Rodriguez has changed the Timbers and they seem to finding their stride after a tough start to the season. Portland have nine goals in their last four games, meaning the Dynamo defense could be put under a lot of pressure.
Gribbs - 1-1 draw
(Record 4-7)
Houston are coming off a big midweek win over the Rapids and are now on the road against a club close to them in the standings. Portland have shown good form in recent weeks and will be a solid litmus test for the Dynamo's performance away from Shell Energy Stadium. While the offense woke up last Wednesday for the Dynamo, I think being on the road will present more woes in front of goal. That being said, I think a point is a capable result in the Rose City.
Billy - 2-1 Dynamo win
(Record 4-10)
Riding high from their mid-week win over Colorado, I can see the momentum continue to carry on tonight. Portland has won 3 of their last 4 so it will be no walk in the park. If the Dynamo can hold their shape and avoid any major mistakes they will have a chance to sneak out with all 3 points.
