Leagues Cup life on the line for Dynamo hosting RSL
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo face a win or go home Leagues Cup match tonight at Shell Energy Stadium as they take on Real Salt Lake. The Dynamo must win and score multiple goals tonight to move on in the tournament. Houston and RSL have met several times in the last two seasons, most recently a 3-2 Salt Lake win in Utah in July.
When: Monday, August 5 | 8:00 PM CT
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Must Win
Last weekend’s loss to Atlas leaves the Dynamo with zero points heading into tonight’s match. Real Salt Lake beat Atlas in their match, giving both teams three points. Houston must win in regulation tonight to level all three teams in the standings. Even that, might not be enough. A 1-0 win for the Dynamo would have Houston eliminated. A 2-1 win would send the Dynamo and Atlas to the Fair Play tiebreaker. If the Dynamo can win by one goal, that is not 1-0 or 2-1, Houston will advance as group runner up and face Club America in the next round, on the road. The Dynamo can win the group with a win of two or more goals. That would see them host either Toluca or Sporting Kansas City in the Round of 32. Whatever the scenario, nothing matters unless the Dynamo can win this game and score multiple goals. Expect Ben Olsen’s side to be on the attack from the opening whistle.
Summer Signing to Shine
Striker Ezequiel Ponce and winger Lawrence Ennali joined the Dynamo when the transfer window opened at the end of last month. Ponce has yet to score in his first two starts and Ennali made his debut off the bench in the last match against Atlas. Tonight could be the night for Ennali’s first start after a sparkling first impression. With the Dynamo needing multiple goals, it would also be a perfect night to see Ponce score his first goal for the club. Houston needs offense tonight and their two newest players could be the key to getting into the next round of the Leagues Cup.
Chicho Returns
MLS Golden Boot leader Chicho Arango is eligible to return for Real Salt Lake after serving a four-match suspension for violating the MLS Anti-Harassment Policy. Arango has 17 goals this season, but the Dynamo held him scoreless in the July 3rd loss in Utah. The Colombian will be itching to get back on the score sheet after missing so much time and Houston will need to keep him in check to better their chances. RSL scored three times in that July match, even without Arango finding the net, so the Dynamo can’t just focus on him alone.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee)
Real Salt Lake – none listed
Predicted Lineup
