Houston Hunts Crucial Points Against Dangerous Whitecaps
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo are back on the road for a meeting with one of the top teams in the Western Conference, the Vancouver Whitecaps. Houston battled back for a 2-2 draw against Austin FC last weeked. Vancouver lost 2-1 to San Jose last Saturday and drew 2-2 midweek against Forge FC in the Canadian Championship.
When: Sunday, August 17 | 8:10 PM CT kickoff
Where: BC Place; Vancouver, British Columbia
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes 93.3 FM
Points at a Premium
After falling behind 2-0 last week in Austin, the Dynamo did well to come back and earn one point. But it was just the one. With time ticking down on this 2025 regular season, and the Dynamo outside of the playoff picture, they need to start collecting three every chance they get. Getting three on the road in Vancouver won’t be easy but the Dynamo can look to last year for inspiration. Houston won a wild 4-3 match on the road against the Whitecaps last season, and they will be looking for three more in Canada this season.
On the Mend
Head coach Ben Olsen noted that defender Erik Sviatchenko has been in practice this week and trained on Saturday before the team flew to Vancouver. Getting Sviatchenko back in the lineup would be a huge boost for the Dynamo as they have looked lost at center back with the group of players who have had to play. Franco Escobar is also back from suspension and listed as questionable after suffering a scary-looking injury a few weeks ago. The Dynamo will need everyone if they’re going to push for the playoffs.
Müller’s Debut
The Vancouver Whitecaps made waves with the recent signing of German legend Thomas Müller. The former Bayern Munich man is set to make his Major League Soccer debut tonight at what will be a packed BC Place. Müller may not have much impact on the match but the starpower and fans he will bring is going to be a big boost for the Caps. The Dynamo will need to settle into the game early and find their feet so they don’t succumb to all the hoopla.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Out: Sam Adekugbe (Achilles), Ryan Gauld (knee), Ranko Veselinoic (knee): Questionable: Ali Ahmed (ankle), Brian White (hamstring)
Houston Dynamo FC – Out: Nelson Quinones (knee), Andrew Tarbell (knee); Questionable: Franco Escobar (lower body), Gabe Segal (lower body), Erik Sviatchenko (lower body)
Predicted Lineup
