Pick the Starting Lineup: Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas

The Houston Dynamo are back in action and are currently sitting on a five league game losing streak with the latest loss coming to Real Salt Lake. In that game the Dynamo, despite not always looking like the better side, led for most of it due to Oscar Boniek García’s strike. Even though they led for most of the game they unfortunately allowed two stoppage time goals to see the visiting RSL side get all three points. This week they’re up against in-state rivals FC Dallas. They’ll have to get back to playing to their strengths to upset the best team in the Western Conference.

Wilmer Cabrera hasn’t had it easy this summer – or year for that matter – with many important players missing because of injury, suspension, or international call-up. Fortunately he’ll have one mainstay back after serving suspension in Alberth Elis. Elis should be well rested and ready to go at the FC Dallas backline from the right wing position. Next to him should be Mauro Manotas at center forward and Romell Quioto at left wing.

In the midfield we shouldn’t see too much variation with Tomás Martínez leading the way in the central attacking midfield position with Oscar Boniek García and Darwin Cerén behind him. The trio has looked good together when the team focuses on attacking, but Boniek, along with the defense, has been exposed when the team has sat deeper behind the ball.

Defensively I’d anticipate a backline with DaMarcus Beasley at left back who rejoined the team following a brief injury. In central defense we should see Philippe Senderos and Alejandro Fuenmayor who both looked promising against Real Salt Lake. Right back is harder to predict. Normally Andrew Wenger would be slotted for the start, but a late injury against RSL would lead me to think either Adam Lundqvist or Adolfo Machado start with the latter option more likely. Joe Willis has been a beast in goal despite the losing streak and he should be our man between the sticks.

Injury Report

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

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

OUT: D - Dylan Remick (concussion)*

OUT: F – Mac Steeves (left 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 FC Dallas.