Dynamo looking to shake up San Jose

(image via Aldo Canale)

The Houston Dynamo head west for a match up with the high-powered offense of the San Jose Earthquakes. The Dynamo are coming off a midweek loss to Austin FC and elimination from the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. San Jose also played midweek in the Open Cup, beating the Portland Thorns at home.

When: Saturday, May 24 | 9:40 PM CT kickoff

Where: PayPal Park; San Jose, California

TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Radio: TUDN Deportes 93.3 FM

Bouncing Back on Tired Legs

It’s been a very busy May for the Dynamo and there is no rest for the weary. After Wednesday’s tough loss in Austin, the Dynamo got to come home for a couple of days and now head to the west coast for tonight’s match. After this match they have to fly cross-country to New York for another midweek match. Legs may be tired and guys may be gassed but it’s even more important to dig in now and focus on league play with the Open Cup finished. It’s a long MLS season but every point matters, especially against other Western Conference teams.

Keep the Possession

Houston loves to have the ball, it’s no secret. The Dynamo play very well when they control possession and play at their tempo. That recipe may be even more important tonight against a lethal San Jose team. The Earthquakes lead Major League Soccer in goals scored. They can’t score if they don’t have the ball, right? Look for the Houston midfield of Artur, Brooklyn Raines, Junior Urso, or whoever is in there to try and sit on the ball and slow this match down to a pace that is comfortable for the Dynamo.

Quaking in their Boots

As mentioned, San Jose have scored the most goals in MLS this season. Chicho Arango will miss this match with an injury but the Earthquakes still have great attackers, including MVP candidate Cristian Espinoza. Bruce Arena has come in and turned this San Jose team around quickly. The Dynamo defense conceded three goals to Austin midweek and they’ll need to button things up tonight if they don’t want a repeat of that, or worse.

Houston Dynamo FC – Out: Lawrence Ennali (knee), Nelson Quiñones (knee), Daniel Steres (lower body), Erik Sviatchenko (lower body), Andrew Tarbell (knee); Questionable: Junior Urso (lower body)

San Jose Earthquakes – Out: Cristian Arango (lower body), Noel Buck (lower body), Daniel (lower body), Niko Tsakiris (lower body)

Predicted Lineup