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The Dynamo had their eyes set on victory to open the 2018 season. Following claims that their 2017 season was a fluke, Houston took the field against Atlanta to prove naysayers wrong. A 4-0 thrashing was the result, as the Dynamo continued their home field advantage run. Goals came from Mauro Manotas, Andrew Wenger, Darwin Ceren, and Philippe Senderos, with Alberth Elis, Senderos, and Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera all making the MLS Team of the Week.
Newcomer Kei Kamara and young star Alphonso Davies showed what they were capable of for Vancouver in a 2-1 victory over Montreal. The cross-Canadian game was not quite a 4-0 thrashing, however, Vancouver showed that they could be more difficult to deal with than years past.
The injury bug struck early in the season for the Dynamo and this time the victim was previously loaned, newly signed, defensive midfielder Juan David Cabezas. He picked up a left quad injury early in the first half against Atlanta and was forced to come off. Cabezas is expected to be out for several weeks. New signing Ceren took his place and played a fantastic game, even bagging a goal.
DP Tomas Martinez will be eligible for this match against Vancouver, as he looks to make his season debut. Martinez missed the season opener as he had to serve a one-game suspension after a red card in the team’s final game of 2017.
Throughout history, Houston has always beat Vancouver at home, outscoring them 12 to 3, with the latest result being a 2-1 victory last May. Both teams are built around speed and counter-attacking which could make for some interesting and possibly nervy moments in the game. Prepare for a game that Houston can definitely come out on top in, however, both teams will still be working out the kinks due to it being so early in the season.
For my official prediction, I’ll have to go with 2-0. We will spend much more time defending in this game than last, but will still be able to finish out chances and pull through with a shutout.
The game kicks off at 5:00 pm CT Saturday on KUBE.