Playoff Stakes Rise as Houston Dynamo Host Portlamd Timbers
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo return to Shell Energy Stadium for another crucial match in their playoff push. Houston will host the Portland Timbers tonight after losing to a last-second winner last weekend against the Colorado Rapids. Portland won last weekend, defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-1.
When: Saturday, September 20 | 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
Missing Leaders
The Dynamo will be without their head coach Ben Olsen (yellow card accumulation) and captain Artur (red card) for tonight’s match. Olsen said it himself in his Friday press conference that missing Artur is a much bigger deal. Juan Guerra, Josh Wolff, and Kenny Bundy will take over the coaching duties but Artur’s suspension leaves a big hole in the lineup. Brooklyn Raines is available for this match but then will leave for the U-20 World Cup. This leaves Junior Urso as the likely replacement at defensive midfield. New signing Diadie Samassekou has yet to debut for the Dynamo but is also a six and we could see him get minutes tonight.
In the Mix
Even after two disappointing last-second goals in consecutive games, the Dynamo are very much still in the playoff race in the Western Conference. Houston comes into today’s match two points behind 9th place San Jose but with two teams between them and the Earthquakes. With two top teams in Nashville and San Diego in the next matches, this looks to be a must-win for the Dynamo. But, we’ve been saying that for some time now. So, is this the time they do it and pick up a massive three points?
Yelling Timber
Portland was winless after Leagues Cup before beating the Red Bulls at home next week. They sit in sixth place in the Western Conference but are just eight points ahead of tenth place. Phil Neville’s squad has been very up and down this season. Young South American attackers Antony and Kevin Kelsy lead the Timbers attack, alongside DP David Da Costa. But with all that firepower, Portland has scored just five goals in their last five matches. Tonight’s result could come down to who is able to find a breakthrough on offense and get a valuable goal.
Houston Dynamo FC – Out: Artur (suspension), Ethan Bartlow (head), Antonio Carlos (lower body), Franco Escobar (illness), Nelson Quinones (lower body), Andrew Tarbell (knee); Questionable: Sergio Santos (lower body), Erik Sviatchenko (lower body)
Portland Timbers – Out: Felipe Carballo (lower body), Maxime Crepeau (head), Jonathan Rodriguez (lower body)
Predicted Lineup
