Houston Dynamo Look to Rebound at Home Against Red-Hot Whitecaps
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo continue their busy May as they return home to host the Vancouver Whitecaps. Houston lost 3-0 at Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night. This will be Vancouver’s second match in Texas in four days after they beat FC Dallas 3-2 midweek.
When: Saturday, May 16 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: Apple TV
Bouncing Back
The Houston Dynamo have lost six league matches this season. Three times, they won the next MLS match following that loss, with tonight being a chance for four. It’s been an odd season in that the Dynamo have six wins and six losses in the league from their twelve matches, without a draw yet this year. Major League Soccer is a long season, especially this year with the two-month break for the World Cup. It’s important to not have too many losing streaks, and Houston has had just one this season of more than one game.
Herrera’s Impact
There were a lot of questions and some disdain when the Houston Dynamo brought Hector Herrera back this offseason. Herrera turned 36 a couple of weeks ago and didn’t leave the club on the best note. But a couple of months into the season, Herrera is showing his worth. He played 90 minutes on Wednesday in the loss against Real Salt Lake, completing 77 of 80 pass attempts. According to Fotmob, it was the second time Herrera completed 75 or more passes in amatch at an accuracy of 95% or better. He is one of just four Dynamo players to do that since 2010. He may be on the bench tonight to start but if he comes in, there is no doubting the impact he has on this team and the way Ben Olsen likes to play.
Caps Cruising
Wednesday’s 3-2 win in Frisco put Vancouver back at the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings. The Whitecaps have just one loss and have won nine of their twelve matches in MLS this season. They are a very complete team with the second most goals scored in the league (30) and the second least amount of goals conceded (9). German legend Thomas Muller is recovered from an illness and should be available tonight. He adds to a lethal Vancouver attack that includes forward Brian White and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. The Dynamo will have their hand full on both ends for 90 minutes against this Whitecaps side.
Houston Dynamo FC – Out: Lucas Halter (lower body), Jimmy Maurer (head)
Vancouver Whitecaps – Out: Sam Adekugbe (Achilles), Nikola Djordjevic (ankle), Ryan Gauld (knee), Belal Halbouni (knee), Ralph Priso (hamstring), Sebastian Schonlau (hamstring); Questionable: Bruno Caicedo (hamstring), Emmanuel Sabbi (groin)
Predicted Lineup
