Houston Dynamo at Real Salt Lake Preview: Dynamo With Chance to Show Road Win Not a Fluke

Houston will be whole once again as they travel to Utah for a match against a red hot Real Salt Lake side. It’s a tough out for a team trying to prove they are making gains on the road. But beyond the win in DC two weeks ago the draw against Portland last weekend showed the team continues to make strides in their competitiveness. The Dynamo improved during the international window, but they still have a ways to go.

RSL’s recent form is looking really good. Earning eight points in their last four matches they are making serious moves up the table. After starting the season off unsteadily this club is ready to poach a playoff spot if any of the the teams higher up the table begin to slip. Not so easy as the western playoff picture is stacked with talented teams and Vancouver, holding down the 6th spot, is on an even better tear. RSL did put a whipping on the Galaxy in LA on the 4th of July. ‘Merica.

Real Salt Lake is unbeaten in their last 4, and so are the Dynamo. No mincing words about the last meeting in May. Dynamo crushed ‘em. Alex used the match to show why he’s so integral to the Dynamo midfield and attack with a nice goal from the top of the box off of a corner. And with the elevated play of Memo Rodriguez the once questionable midfield is starting to show signs of greatness. The play is only modestly improved but the potential is real. Dynamo fans are dying to see Tomás Martínez make his debut for the club, but with Cabrera slow playing his hand it’s doubtful that he sees the pitch on the road after just his second week with the club. The Gold Cup participants should be taking their spots back in the starting XI, however Andrew Wenger played well during the window and notched a couple of goals. It’s no surprise given that he was one of the few consistent players on the 2016 Dynamo squad. Interesting to see the effects of his play not only on his personal minutes, but the effectiveness of the whole team when he is on the pitch in place of either of the Honduran wingers. And with Elis and Quioto back the question will return: who starts up top? Manotas has stayed consistent while Cubo has cooled, and that assumes the choice is between the two strikers. A recent article in the Houston Chronicle shed some light on Quioto’s struggles this season with injuries and consistent play. Despite a scare during Gold Cup play it’s sounding like he is feeling better and ready to bring back some of the speed and dangerous attacking ability he showcased early in the season. DMB had a midweek friendly with the MLS all-star side against Real Madrid in which he featured for 38 minutes, so a potential for less than 90 for the five time all star.

Time: 9:00 pm CST August, 5th 2017

Location: Rio Tinto Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT

Last Meeting: May 31st 2017 (5-1 Houston)