Texas Tensions Rise as Dynamo Host Rival Austin FC
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo face another Texas rival as they host Austin FC tonight at Shell Energy Stadium. The Dynamo are coming off of a dramatic 2-2 draw with the Colorado Rapids last weekend. Austin picked up a 1-0 win over the LA Galaxy in their last match.
When: Saturday, April 26 | 7:40 PM CT kickoff
Where: Shell Energy Stadium; Houston, Texas
TV/Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: TUDN Deportes Houston 93.3 FM (Spanish)
Lingy Show
New Designated Player Ondrej Lingr announced his arrival to Houston in style, scoring the late equalizer last week in his Dynamo debut. Now integrated into the team, Lingr likely moves into the starting lineup this week. The Houston offense has been looking for a spark for some time now and the Czech playmaker looks to be just that. The Dynamo added another striket this week, Toyosi Olusanya, and sent winger Aliyu Ibrahim to Columbus for cash. There are still players coming back from injuries but it seems the Dynamo attack is beginning to take shape.
Bassi Blossoming
The club announced today that attacker Amine Bassi signed a new contract with the Dynamo before the season began. Bassi is celbrating it well, as he has begun to blossom into this attack, a lot like we saw in 2023. Bassi scored his second goal of the season last week against Colorado and is involved in almost everything the Dynamo do on offense. Now with more weapons around him, we could see Bassi get even better as the season progresses and all of Houston’s new pieces gel together.
Austin on the Up
Austin FC spent big this offseason, notably bringing in attackers Brandon Vazquez and Myrto Uzuni. The Verde hired a new head coach, former FC Dallas boss Nico Estevez, and it their moves are paying off so far with Austin currently in 2nd place in the Western Conference. They suffered a big loss two weeks ago to an in-form Vancouver Whitecaps but rebounded last week with a home win over the LA Galaxy. Austin will now take the trip down 290 looking to show they’re for real with a win in this rivalry match.
Houston Dynamo – Out: Lawrence Ennali (knee), Nelson Quinones (knee), Duane Holmes (lower leg), Andrew Tarbell (knee), Toyosi Olusanya (not due to injury), Pablo Ortiz (not due to injury); Questionable: Jimmy Maurer (lower body), Ethan Bartlow (lower body), Junior Urso (lower body), Sebastian Kowalczyk (lower body), Erik Sviatchenko (lower body)
Austin FC – Out: Mikkel Desler (hamstring), Brendan Hines-Ike (suspension); Questionable: Brandon Vazquez (illness)
Predicted Lineup
