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After nearly losing to the LA Galaxy on Wednesday night the Houston Dynamo will need to get three points against Minnesota United if they want to keep their playoffs chances alive.
It is a tight race in the Western Conference to make it into the playoffs. The Houston Dynamo currently sit in seventh place, just out of the playoffs, with 40 points. But the Western Conference leader, Vancouver, is only eight points ahead of them. Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas sit ahead of the Dynamo in fifth and sixth place respectively with 41 points each. Minnesota is behind them in ninth place with 32 points.
Houston nearly saw their playoff chances slip through their fingers as they went down early to the LA Galaxy on Wednesday night. After being down 3-1 the team battled back for a 3-3 draw. While a loss wouldn’t have completely ruined their playoff chances, dropping three points at home would have seriously damaged their chances. As it is failing to win and only walking away with one point means that they are still sitting on the outside looking in while a win would have put them back above the red line. Houston hasn’t won a game since their 3-0 win over San Jose on August 12, but they will need to get as many wins as possible in the final stretch to make the playoffs.
Saturday’s game will be the third game between the two this season. Houston hosted them in April and the game ended in a 2-2 draw. In July, Houston traveled to TCF Bank Stadium and the two sides played to a scoreless draw.
While Minnesota had a rough start to their 2017 season they have since found their footing. Minnesota United is coming off of a 4-1 victory over FC Dallas. The lone goal from Dallas came early in the game, but Minnesota didn’t let the goal affect their game plan. Soon Christian Ramirez scored to level the game at 1-1. The Loons easily added to their goal scoring total through out the game to walk away with three points.
Win Saturday and the Dynamo will stay in-step to make the playoffs, lose and the team’s chances to DREAM, SCREAM, BELIEVE will be in serious jeopardy.
Deets
Houston Dynamo vs Minnesota United
BBVA Compass Stadium
7:30 pm CT