Breaking the Spell: Houston Dynamo Ride Open Cup Boost into Orlando Clash
(image via Ricky Vega)
The Houston Dynamo will look to use the momentum from their midweek US Open Cup win as they return to league play tonight against Orlando City. Houston beat El Paso Locomotive 4-1 on Wednesday night in the USOC Round of 32. Orlando also won in USOC midweek, beating FC Naples 1-0.
When: Saturday, April 18 | 6:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Inter&Co Stadium; Orlando, Florida
TV/Stream: Apple TV
Good Vibes
Wednesday’s 4-1 win over El Paso was much-needed for the Dynamo who had lost three straight matches in league play, and four of their last five. Yes, it was against a USL Championship team, and yes, they played with 10 men for over sixty minutes of the match but a win is a win. Houston was also able to rest some players ahead of what is now a busy rest of the month. After tonight’s match in Orlando, the Dynamo will host San Diego FC on Wednesday, then travel to Austin on April 25. They will then host another USOC match against Lousville City FC on April 29, before welcoming Colorado Rapids to Shell Energy Stadium on May 2. The Dynamo will hope that win over El Paso will jump start them for this stretch of matches.
An Old Friend
The Houston Dynamo shocked fans when they traded defender Griffin Dorsey to Orlando City for cash days before the start of the 2026 season. Now, the Dynamo will get to take on Dorsey in his new colors. Ben Olsen and his staff will know all to well how dangerous he can be attacking on that right side, especially if he’s up against newly-converted wingback Lawrence Ennali. Do the Dynamo play a more natural defender like Sam Vines to try and stymie Dorsey? With his ability to attack, Dorsey will leave some space on Houston’s left side to try and exploit. This is where the combination of Ennali and Guilherme could do damage. However it plays out,. Dynamo fans will be happy to get to see Dorsey again, even if he’s wearing purple.
Orlando Woes
Walt Disney World, just outside of Orlando, is often called “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Things have been anything but magical for Orlando’s soccer club this season. The Lions have already parted ways with head coach Oscar Pareja and have just four points from their first seven matches in Major League Soccer. In those seven matches, Orlando has scored six goals and conceded an astonishing twent four times. Something positive for Orlando? They’ve never lost at home to the Dynamo, with two wins and two draws in four matches. Can the Dynamo finally leave Orlando with their own magic?
Houston Dynamo FC – Out: Lucas Halter (lower body); Questionable: Artur (lower body), Jack McGlynn (lower body)
Orlando City SC – Out: Wilder Cartagena (thigh), Jordan Gerbet (knee), Duncan McGuire (lower leg); Questionable: David Brekalo (lower leg), Griffin Dorsey (thigh), Iago (concussion protocol)
Predicted Lineup
