Match Preview: Dynamo v DC United

Tonight our defense is once again put to the test as they face one of the quickest producing newcomers to MLS, Charlie Davies. The boys also put up their undefeated streak of five games, looking to extend it to six. There will be a gamethread going up about an hour before the match is slated to begin, and I will do my best to make sure it's updated with the score and action as it happens (thank you MDL). A little more facts and such after the jump.

• DC United are coming off a 4-0 defeat to NY Red Bulls at home. That one's gotta hurt. Look for them to come out wanting to prove they are better than that, and look for quick strikes and heavy pressure early.
• Houston Dynamo are returning home after a 1-1 draw against Chicago Fire this past Saturday. They know DC United will be applying pressure, and will be playing the CBs just a little closer to their goal in order to protect against a Davies run.
• Pat Onstad, current net minder for DC United, is returning to Robertson Stadium for the first time since leaving in the offseason to become the Goalkeeper Coach for them. Look for a lot of friendly love between his former teammates and new teammates, and watch for Pat to be his usual self and direct traffic in front of him with his own boisterous style.
• Also returning to face his previous club is Forward Joseph Ngwenya, who has found a substitution role with the DC United a decent fit for the time being. Expect Ngwenya to want to find the net against his former club.
• Tally Hall is coming off yet another decent performance against Chicago Fire. Tally learned a lot from Pat, and I expect a lot of mutual respect to be shown especially before the match.
• Once again we're talking about Dynamo newcomer, Sergio Koke. He's our Dynamo to watch for this game. Expect to see him play in limited minutes late in the game, and with any luck he'll prove right away he's a game-changer. I think we'll see him substitute up top tonight, though he might start at CAM once over the next three games to give Geoff Cameron a rest.
• The one to watch from DC United is substitute Branko Boskovic who twice struck woodwork on well played shots against NY Red Bulls. He can launch them with quality velocity and accuracy, and it'll be up to the Dynamo back four to ensure he's accounted for late in the game.

Anything else you guys are watching for in this game? Early pushes, early subs, late subs? Post in the comments and I'll do my best to watch for it during the game and post it in the gamethread when it happens giving kudos and props to you.