Houston Dynamo Injury, Call-up, and Suspended Update:

Houston Dynamo fans know that this summer has not been too kind to them - and it hasn't been just the heat. A combination of injuries and call-ups to first team players coupled with recently suspended players has been a series of unfortunate circumstances that has hurt the Dynamo's ability to play at a consistent level. No team likes to lose 8 players all at once, but here we are.

Here is an updated list of players on the injury list, players currently with their national team, and those suspended.

The injured:

OUT: Oscar Boniek Garcia (adductor injury), Jermaine Taylor (right quad tear).

DOUBTFUL: Rob Lovejoy (hamstring)

QUESTIONABLE: Alex Lima (broken nose)

Losing Boniek's ability to get forward, take players on the dribble, and distribute has been lacking for the Dynamo. Alex brought some of that tenacity, but an elbow to the face has sidelined him. Taylor's ability to steal the ball in crucial areas, as a CB or a LB, will be sorely missed as our defense is the place where Coyle is sticking the most duct tape in his lineup.

The International Super Stars:

Jamaica: Giles Barnes

United States: DaMarcus Beasley

Giles Barnes as a finisher or playmaker is missed. He's proven against international competition that he's a force to be reckoned with and only tends to lose focus in games when the offensive support is lacking. Beasley's combination of speed, decision making, and tackling has made him one of the best LB's in the league. Taylor Hunter, Raúl Rodríguez, or new acquisition Sheanon Williams could play in his place, but it just won't be the same.

The Suspended:

Red Card: Kofi Sarkodie (against Real Salt Lake)

Yellow Card Accumulation: Luis Garrido (picked up against Real Salt Lake)

Sarkodie and Garrido both would have logged heavy minutes if they weren't suspended as they both started against Sporting Kansas City in our Open Cup Quarterfinals match, but their abilities to read offensive players will be sorely missed.

The ALMOST Suspended:

1 Yellow Card Away from Suspension: Ricardo Clark, Giles Barnes, Jermaine Taylor, Raúl Rodríguez, and Kofi Sarkodie.

Although only Rico and Rodríguez will be playing in this one, getting another card at this time and picking up additional suspensions would be very bad for this team given how thin it is at the moment - especially in the defensive ranks.

Reinforcements Have Arrived:

The Dynamo will have some support returning as Forward Erick Torres (Cubo) is now ready to participate in league play and his proven scoring in this league and fresh legs could be a boost the Dynamo utilize.

Defender Sheanon Williams, acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Union [here is a brief interview discussing some of his attributes] who is versatile to play across the backline, like Rodríguez, and is experienced in this league.

Midfielder Rasheed Olabiyi is our recently signed Nigerian who has already helped contribute this season. His quick first step in the midfield easily helps knock tired legs off the ball which easily converts into a counter attack.