Pick the Starting Lineup for the Houston Dynamo against Sporting KC

The Houston Dynamo are back in action after a so-so week 1 draw with the LA Galaxy. While that game wasn’t the most desired result for the Dynamo faithful, it was understandable given the status of two of the club’s stars as Alberth Elis and Darwin Quintero were both out with injuries. This week they’re up against someone considered a rival in Sporting Kansas City with the Dynamo making their way north to Children’s Mercy Park.

Last week Elis was listed as OUT on the MLS injury report and he’s been upgraded to QUESTIONABLE with Quintero listed as the same. I wouldn’t think either would start given that status and the fact that they both missed the opener. I believe we’ll see a starting trio up top of Memo Rodríguez, Mauro Manotas, and Tommy McNamara. While I would love to see Tab Ramos find a way to put both Manotas and Christian Ramirez on the pitch at the same time, I think this is who we’ll see start.

In the midfield I think Tomás Martínez will be the attacking most player with Matías Vera the defensive most. The veteran Oscar Boniek García should be the player that helps link the two as the more box-to-box type.

Defensively it gets a little easier to predict and I’d anticipate that Adam Lundqvist start in the left back role now vacated by USMNT legend DaMarcus Beasley. Right back depth will be tested with José Bizama recently having surgery to repair a fracture in his right leg so Zarek Valentin is the man to step up to start. Central defense should comprise of Maynor Figueroa and Kiki Struna with Marko Marić in goal.

My Projected Starting Lineup:

How do you think Tab Ramos should line up his players in his first trip on the road? Let us know and share your selections in the comment section below.