Pick the Houston Dynamo Starting XI against D. C. United

After a disappointing 0-0 draw to Minnesota United FC earlier this week, the Houston Dynamo will make their way to the nation’s capital to take on D. C. United this Saturday. In the midweek game against MNUFC we saw a Dynamo team that came out with energy and attacked often, but couldn’t find the back of the net. As the game wore on they sat back a little bit and invited the Loons in for a few opportunities, but a goal line save by A. J. DeLaGarza and a late save by Tyler Deric kept things equal. It wasn’t the result the Dynamo were hoping for, but it’s still better than losing 4-3 after leading by 3 goals (DCU’s midweek game).

Both clubs will be missing some players due to injury and to Gold Cup call-ups. For the Dynamo they’re short Cubo Torres who is with the Mexican National Team. Alberth Elis, Romell Quioto, and Oscar Boniek Garcia are unlikely to be back even though Honduras was recently eliminated from the Gold Cup. Even if they make it back, having played Thursday night and having a coach that demands a lot from practices, they’re likely to be rested ahead of our next home game to recover in time to play the Portland Timbers. Eric Alexander and George Malki are also listed as OUT on the MLS injury report.

These absences open up chances again for Mauro Manotas who is likely to feature at center forward and Andrew Wenger who should start as a left or right winger. It’s difficult to guess where some of these players may wind up or start given how short a turnaround this game is from their last, but if I had to guess I think the lineup remains pretty close to the last one because we have fewer options. If Alex cannot start in midfield or as a wing player up top then I think Memo Rodriguez will start (and he may start even if Alex starts). If Memo does start and Alex does not, I think Jose Escalante will get the call either at LW or LM. In midfield Juan David Cabezas should also start and I think Ricardo Clark will as well despite his age. In the back I think we see the same usual group of Leonardo (CB), Adolfo Machado (CB), and A. J. DeLaGarza (RB). The only issue is at LB with DaMarcus Beasley. I think Beasley will start, but if he doesn’t it will be Dylan Remick.

My Projected Starting Lineup

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