Take Two in the Desert: 3 Things to Watch as Dynamo Play Real Salt Lake in Tucson

After a 1-1 draw in their opening game of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup, the Dynamo are back in action this evening. Houston will play Real Salt Lake at 5:00 PM central time. The game will be streamed on HoustonDynamo.com/Live, only for people in the Houston area. The league is geoblocking all preseason MLS games, allowing only fans in the local market to see the game online. Several people in the Houston area could not see Saturday’s game, but the league opened it up to more people during the first half. Hopefully, that fix will allow everyone to see today’s action from the opening whistle.

Real Salt Lake and the Dynamo also played a 45-minute scrimmage on Saturday afternoon, with RSL winning 1-0. RSL’s first team is coming off a draw on Saturday evening, finishing their game with Sporting Kansas City 0-0. Here are three things to watch for as we get a second look at the Dynamo, now just ten days out from opening the MLS season on February 29.

Release the Youngsters

After seeing what looked like a first choice eleven starting Saturday’s game, we could see Tab Ramos rotate things a bit for this mid-week match up. If the starters are rested, look for some of the reserves and youngsters from RGVFC, like Isidro Martinez and Nico Lemoine, to get more minutes. A few of the young players got some time in the 45-minute scrimmage with RSL and could get another chance against them today.

Walking Wounded

We have yet to see Alberth Elis and offseason addition Darwin Quintero in Tucson, as both players appear to be nursing injuries. Could today be the day to give them a run out? This is the fine line coaches must walk, especially in preseason. Do you risk playing guys with injuries to get them fit, or do you keep them rested and possibly have them rusty for the start of the season? We’ll see how Tab feels about that question.

Position Battles

Right back looks to be the most heated position battle as we approach the season with Jose Bizama and Zarek Valentin looking to get the nod with the first team. Bizama and Valentin each played on Saturday night and may get another chance to impress against Real Salt Lake. Once Elis and Quintero are back, it looks like the rest of the Dynamo starting XI is penciled in, with right back being the remaining question mark.

What are you most looking forward to seeing as the Dynamo get another game in against an MLS opponent? Let us know in the comments.