Pick the Houston Dynamo Starting XI against Sporting Kansas City: Part 2

The Houston Dynamo did their postseason dreams a favor by getting a win earlier this week against our out-of-state rivals Sporting Kansas City. Although the Dynamo did not have a strong start and conceded a goal in the first half, they were able to find form and get three huge points. If they want to move up in the Western Conference standings to come closer to the club’s first playoff appearance in three seasons then they’ll need another strong performance (and three points) against Sporting Kansas City again – this time on their turf.

Players will be returning from their respective national teams and with very little time left in the season, each game means that much more so anticipate those players to be in the active roster and likely starting. That means Adolfo Machado, Alberth Elis, Romell Quioto, and DaMarcus Beasley are back and will probably be in the starting XI.

Up top, Romell Quioto and Alberth Elis should start, but it’s the center forward that is a bit of a question mark. Cubo Torres came off the bench so he is an option, Mauro Manotas has done well in the center forward role, and Vicente Sanchez has proven to be a spark that lifts the Dynamo. I would expect Cubo to start with Sanchez making an impact off the bench.

In midfield, the Chronicle’s Corey Roepken reported that Juan David Cabezas was healthy for Wednesday’s game against SKC, but that they were taking his hamstring injury carefully to not risk injuring it and taking him out for the season. He’s officially listed as questionable, and I think if he makes the trip then he’ll see time on the bench. Eric Alexander performed well in his absence so there isn’t a huge dropoff for Wilmer Cabrera. Next to him, it would be hard to bench Tomas Martinez who was involved in both of the Dynamo’s goals Wednesday. Ricardo Clark or Alex should be the other midfielder and I would expect Clark to get the starting call.

Dylan Remick took a nasty hit and was subbed off against SKC. While he continued playing for a few minutes, Jalil Anibaba did come on for him so I think that Remick will be on the bench if he is in the 18. DaMarcus Beasley should come back into his usual left back spot next to Adolfo Machado and Leonardo in central defense with A. J. DeLaGarza at right back and Tyler Deric in goal.

The Dynamo can clinch a playoff spot with a win so expect them to lineup for three points.

My Projected Starting Lineup

So who do you want to see lineup against SKC? Let us know and feel free to share your choices in the comments section below!