Who should start for the Houston Dynamo against the LA Galaxy?

It’s the final game of the season for the Houston Dynamo who already have a busy offseason ahead of them with Chris Canetti stepping down as Dynamo and Houston Dash club President. For Houston, this game should be about evaluating talent for next season while for the home LA Galaxy they have an opportunity to get into the playoffs with a win or draw. They will be hungry in front of their home fans at StubHub Center.

I think Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera must start Ronaldo Peña and I think he gets the call over Romell Quioto on the left wing. Mauro Manotas has been on a tear and will be an integral part of next season so he should be in the XI as the center forward. Next to him Alberth Elis will start on the right wing. I was tempted to have Elis on the bench and start Memo Rodríguez, but I think Elis gets it.

In the midfield with Juan David Cabezas injured again, this time due to a hamstring injury, Darwin Cerén should make his return to the starting lineup as the deepest playing midfielder. I would predict Eric Bird to start next to him as he’s been steadily getting more and more starts with the playoffs out of the picture. Lastly Tomás Martínez will be another important piece for next year and I’d expect him to start as the central attacking midfielder to help connect the midfield with the forwards.

Along the backline DaMarcus Beasley should be pegged with a start at left back. In central defense Alejandro Fuenmayor made his return to the starting lineup last week recovered from a concussion and he should get the start again. Partnering with him I’d anticipate Kevin Garcia to get the call with A.J. DeLaGarza at right back. Wilmer Cabrera has started another goalkeeper controversy by giving starts to Tyler Deric over Joe Willis. Willis has done a solid job this season, but I don’t see why Wilmer would change his direction again so expect Deric between the sticks.

Injury Report

OUT: D – Dylan Remick (concussion)*

OUT: F – Mac Steeves (hip surgery)

QUESTIONABLE: D – Philippe Senderos (hamstring injury)

OUT: D/M – Jared Watts (right hip injury)

*Remick does not appear on the Injury Report, but is out for the season.

My Projected Starting Lineup

Who do you think should start against the Galaxy in the final game of the season? Let us know below!