New Faces, Same Fight: Dynamo Continue Leagues Cup vs. Mazatlán
(image via Aldo Canale)
The Houston Dynamo are back in Leagues Cup action, taking on another Liga MX side, as they host Mazatlán FC tonight at Shell Energy Stadium. The Dynamo are coming off a 4-1 loss to Tigres in the opening match of the tournament on Tuesday. Mazatlán picked up two points in their first Leagues Cup match after beating LAFC in penalties, also on Tuesday night.
When: Friday, August 1 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes 93.3 FM
Switching It Up
After Tuesday’s loss, the Dynamo are all but eliminated from Leagues Cup as only the top four of eighteen MLS teams will advance to the knockout round. Now as Houston prepares for their final two matches of the tournament, they can switch things up in the lineup and give some guys minutes who haven’t had many. Head coach Ben Olsen said as much in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, saying the plan was always to use this tournament to get guys time on the field and help them prepare for the stretch run of the MLS season and trying to make it into the playoffs. Olsen says the goal is still the same, to win and try and advance (as improbable as that might be), regardless of who is on the field tonight.
The Good Kind of Raines
We’ve seen plenty of rain in Houston lately and we’ve also seen a lot of Brooklyn Raines this season. The 20-year-old has taken a big step this season, grabbing hold of a starting spot in the center of the Dynamo midfield. Speaking with Raines yesterday, Brooklyn said he is learning a lot this season getting to play alongside Artur and with Jack McGlynn in front of him. Raines is coming off a solid performance against Tigres, including an assist on Houston’s lone goal. If he gets another start tonight, look for Raines to continue building on what is an already impressive 2025 for the youngster.
Mazatlán Looking for More
Mazatlán came into this tournament with four points from their first three matches in the Liga MX Apertura but put on a stunning performance in their first match. They drew 1-1 against LAFC, in Los Angeles, and then won 11-10 in a penalty kick shootout that went 12 rounds. With two points in the bag already, Mazatlán will be looking to collect even more in Houston as they bid to be one of the top four Liga MX teams to advance to the knockout round. Brazilians Fabio Gomes and Dudu Teodora lead the attack for the Mexican side and will be looking to take advantage of a Dynamo defense that conceded four times just three days ago.
Houston Dynamo FC – No availability report listed
Mazatlan FC – No availability report listed
Predicted Lineup
