Pick the Starting Lineup: Houston Dynamo vs. the Colorado Rapids

The Houston Dynamo are coming off a convincing 3-0 win over Minnesota United and now take their talents on the road against the Colorado Rapids. The last meeting between the Dynamo and the Rapids saw Houston come out on top to the tune of 2-0 in a game where the home side Dynamo controlled nearly every aspect of the game. The season has been a roller coaster for the Dynamo with unbeaten runs followed by losing streaks. The visiting Dynamo will hope to take advantage of their opponents who sit near the bottom of the Western Conference table while utilizing any momentum gained from their previous win.

Wilmer Cabrera has options up top for his forwards, but would likely stick with his trio of Romell Quioto in the left wing position with Mauro Manotas as a center forward and Alberth Elis on the right wing. Quioto continues to contribute as he tallied two assists against the Loons while Manotas has four goals in his last four appearances and Elis notched a goal and assist last week as well. The Dynamo acquired forward Ronaldo Peña last week, but it’s unclear at this time if he’s begun training with his new team so I’m going to leave him off the list as he’s unlikely to start even if he’s available.

In the middle of the park Tomás Martínez is expected to start as the central attacking midfielder. Martínez had an excellent outing against MNUFC where he moved the ball well and even struck the crossbar. Eric Alexander also got the start last week and I believe he will get the start next to Darwin Cerén as more defensive oriented midfielders.

The back line for the Dynamo has seen more than its fair share of injuries this season. Against Minnesota we saw DaMarcus Beasley only play 45 minutes and Adam Lundqvist replaced him in the second half. I would think Lundqvist gets the start over Beasley in this case just to make sure Beasley isn’t rushed back. In central defense Philippe Senderos had an outstanding game against the Loons where he notched two goals. According to Victor Araiza, Senderos did not train with the first team earlier this week. I think Leonardo will be the one to replace him should he not be fit.

Next to him Alejandro Fuenmayor should partner well as he’s continued to show improvement. At right back I’ll predict Adolfo Machado to start again at right back. Andrew Wenger and A.J. DeLaGarza did do some training this week, but I doubt they’ll be rushed back into action.

Injury Report

OUT: D - A.J. DeLaGarza (torn left ACL)

OUT: M - Juan David Cabezas (left quad injury)

OUT: F/M/D – Andrew Wenger (calf injury)

OUT: D - Dylan Remick (concussion)*

OUT: F – Mac Steeves (left hip injury)

OUT: M – Arturo Álvarez (right hip injury)

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

My Projected Starting Lineup

There are a ton of options, not to mention formations to play with so let us know who you think should be in the starting lineup against the Rapids!