Can the Dynamo get their first win on the road? Pick the Houston XI against FC Dallas

Last week was not kind to the Houston Dynamo as they went on a difficult road trip first to face the Philadelphia Union and then to play MLS newcomer Atlanta United FC. The Dynamo, being the team they are this year, did not do well in either venture as they gave up 6 goals and only scoring 1 themselves which came from the penalty spot as they lost both. Losing on the road has become an unfortunate theme as they’ve lost all 5 of their games away from Houston. More perplexing is the difference in form when they are at home where they’ve been undefeated.

Houston’s opponent this week is a team we know well in FC Dallas Frisco. The first game in the Texas Derby is at Toyota Stadium, where Dallas have been close to being undefeated having only lost 1 match at home this season. This is probably the biggest game the Dynamo will play up to this point for several reasons: 1) it’s against Dallas and these games mean more than the usual match, 2) the Dynamo cannot continue their slide on the road for much longer, and 3) both teams are tied at 19 points with the Dynamo edging out Dallas for the 2^nd highest spot in the West based on win totals. Both sides will want to put distance between the other.

Following a congested 3 games in 8 days schedule, the Dynamo have finally gotten some rest. The team is healthy with only George Malki and Eric Alexander expected to miss the trip. Alberth Elis, who strained his hamstring in the 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, will be a welcome addition to the squad. His speed and drive to go at defenders with the ball has been missed as the Dynamo have been too conservative with their tactics since Elis’s injury.

I think to solve the problems on the road and against a rival the Dynamo will look to play like themselves at home. I would anticipate a return to the typical XI we’ve seen with Elis back in at RW over Mauro Manotas or Andrew Wenger with Romell Quioto and Cubo Torres joining him across the top line.

My Projected Starting Lineup

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