Previewing Houston Dynamo at San Jose Earthquakes with Tectonic Takes
(image via San Jose Earthquakes/Twitter)
The Houston Dynamo are back on the road, heading west this time for a trip to California to take on the San Jose Earthquakes. We talked to our friends at Tectonic Takes to get some insight on the Quakes ahead of Saturday night’s match.
San Jose are unbeaten at home but have struggled on the road. What do you think has been the biggest reason for this discrepancy?
This is a squad that has a number of new players being integrated and a lack of a winning culture over the last few seasons. Typically, those squads in MLS will struggle on the road and get most of their points haul at home.
What has been the biggest change for the Quakes this season from last year?
The biggest change has been their approach to the game, which is largely due to the shift in tactical styles from Almeyda to Covelo to now Luchi Gonzalez. San Jose Earthquakes feel more confident and dangerous in possession although they still lack in the goal scoring front.
Cristian Espinoza has been a great creator this season. What has been the key to his success and what do you think the best way to slow him down is?
Cristian Espinoza has consistently been a creator since his arrival from Villarreal, only 4 shy of Shea Salinas for most assists in club history. His most dangerous attributes are his ability to pass and dribble in tight spaces. He has been criticized for being too much of an assister and not so much a goal scorer himself so if the defense can force him to shoot when he’s uncomfortable, that can be a viable tactic.
Who are some under the radar players on the San Jose roster that Dynamo fans should look out for on Saturday?
Look out for Carlos Akapo. He’s still a relatively new player for the San Jose Earthquakes and doesn’t always play 90 minutes but he’s been an effective two-way player for us usually in the right back slot.
How is the health of the roster and do you expect anyone to be unavailable Saturday?
San Jose Earthquakes currently have 4 players out (Nathan ACL surgery, Gruezo hamstring, Tsakiris adductor, and Daniel thigh) and 1 player questionable (Judson Knee) due to injury. These injuries are most felt in our midfield with 3 players hurt in that area although Judson was good enough to come off the bench against Toronto. Jonathan Mensah and JT Marcinkowski are adequate replacements for Daniel in goal and Nathan at CB.
Predicted lineup and prediction for the match?
Predicted lineup JT Marcinkowski; Carlos Akapo, Rodrigues, Jonathan Mensah, Miguel Trauco; Jackson Yueill, Michael Baldisimo, Jamiro Monteiro; Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse, Cade Cowell
Prediction 2-1 San Jose but I wouldn’t be surprised if Dynamo got at least a draw.
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We want to thank our friends at Tectonic Takes for their time and wish our friends in San Jose the best of luck tomorrow.
