Happy Returns As Dynamo Host Portland For the First Time

Three familiar faces will arrive at Robertson Stadium tomorrow night when the Portland Timbers make their first trip to Houston since joining MLS this season. Mike Chabala, Lovel Palmer and head coach John Spencer will all be returning for the first time since their exits and should receive a warm welcome from the Dynamo fans.

The Dynamo sit out of the playoffs going in to the weekend so points are again important, even more so this being a home match. I've said it many times, but I'll say it again...Houston must get three points at home. Fortunately the team has been playing better of late so a result certainly seems within reach.

The Timbers will provide a good challenge and should be better suited to deal with the heat thanks to the arrival of Chabala and Palmer. In their first trip to Texas against FC Frisco, Portland struggled with the high temperatures so you have to think that the team could benefit from two players familiar with dealing with the ludicrous summer heat in Houston.

Brian Ching was held out of practice on Friday due to a minor groin injury, the move was precautionary though with the Dynamo's busy schedule ahead. Calen Carr is officially off the injury list for the first time since joining the Dynamo, he'll be available for selection on Sunday. Welcome back Calen!

Dynamo ready for ex-players, ex-coach when Timbers visit [MLS Soccer]

Preview: Timbers, Dynamo clash in Spencer's homecoming [MLS Soccer]

Portland confident they can handle Houston heat [MLS Soccer]