Pick the Houston Dynamo lineup against Sporting Kansas City

Houston Dynamo FC is coming off a win last weekend against the Vancouver Whitecaps in a game that the Dynamo largely dominated, but instead was a close and tense 2-1 finish. This week they’re back on the road and headed to Children’s Mercy Park to take on Sporting Kansas City. Houston played Kansas City earlier this month in a home match at BBVA Stadium and finished 1-0 against the visitors. With key players returning to health and the team beginning to find some rhythm, that momentum will be on tested in a hostile site away from home.

For Tab Ramos, one of the no brainers so far this season has to start Marko Marić between the sticks in goal. He made a costly mistake and hasn’t been perfect this season, but he’s been a proven shot blocker even if some of his decision making could improve. He should be a lock to start against SKC.

As I said last week there are three easy picks for Tab Ramos defensively and that’s Tim Parker, Adam Lundkvist, and Zarek Valentin whom should all start along the back line. The real question is whether or not we see Oscar Boniek García or Maynor Figueroa partner with Parker in central defense. I think the answer to that is largely a coin toss, but after last week I’m willing to say Boniek will be the starter. It’s entirely possible Ramos is alternating weeks, but at the moment I think Boniek has the edge and it’s fitting that the two vice-captains will partner in central defense.

In the midfield, I didn’t think it was possible to usurp Matías Vera from his position, but we’ve seen Derrick Jones gradually do it. First he pushed Vera higher into the midfield and last week Vera was on the bench. I believe we’ll see in the midfield the same lineup we saw against Vancouver with Jones playing deepest, Joe Corona as the connecting midfielder, and Memo Rodríguez as the number 10.

Lastly up top, the most obvious choice should be Maxi Urruti as the central forward. He’s done well defensively, and has stayed on the scoring sheet which is what you want from your first choice center forward. Fafà Picault should start on one wing and the next choice is the other coming down to two players: Ariel Lassiter who got the start last week or Tyler Pasher. This season Pasher has been the more impressive player, but has been injured the last few matches. Lassiter had his own stretch of form last season and could easily get the start. I think if Pasher were fit enough to start last weekend, he can start tomorrow so I’m going with him based on form this season, but this could go either way.

My Projected Starting Lineup:

This is just the lineup that I think we’ll see, but what do you think we’ll see? What should the starting XI look like in the Dynamo’s game against Sporting Kansas City? Let us know in the comments below!