Dynamo Theory - Match Day 19: Houston Dynamo vs LA Galaxy
You may all go to hell and I will support the Dynamo.
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2016-07-20T15:30:05-05:00
http://www.dynamotheory.com/rss/stream/11956437
2016-07-20T15:30:05-05:00
2016-07-20T15:30:05-05:00
Houston Dynamo Player Ratings vs. the LA Galaxy
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Houston Dynamo failed to beat the stars of LA in a 1-0 loss on the road to the LA Galaxy.</p> <h5><b>Quick Thoughts:</b></h5>
<p>1) This team must be afraid to gamble on the road because they sat in very deep for most of the match which allowed the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> to create chance after chance to score. If the club wants to see success on the road, they'll have to do more than be hard to play against. They'll have to find ways to score and that means taking risks. <b></b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>2) Was the Dynamo missing <span>Will Bruin</span>? Despite all of the criticism Bruin gets, he provides decent hold up service which allows the Dynamo to increase their time of possession in the opponent's half. Bruin was missing from this game as Barnes started as the CF, Wenger as a winger, and Cubo and Manotas both got substitution nods. <b></b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>3) Defensive miscues by Horst were hard to watch. Horst handled a ball and later was caught not paying attention by <span>Steven Gerrard's</span> run which led to a goal. Is it time for a lineup shakeup defensively? I'd argue Agus has earned a right to start over Horst after this even though the Dynamo have been very good in the back in the Wade Barrett era.</p>
<h5><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> Player Ratings</b></h5>
<p><b><span>Joe Willis</span> (6) -€”</b> Filled in for <span>Tyler Deric</span> who will be out for a few weeks due to injury. Willis filled in fairly capably as he made several saves to deny the talented LA Galaxy offense. On the penalty kick, <span>Robbie Keane</span> missed, but Willis guessed correctly on the side and looked to have it covered had the kick been on target. Willis did well to deny Keane on the play just before Steven Gerrard's goal, but the ball never was cleared. Overall, Willis did well, but he did not keep his back line very organized as they were broken down too often.</p>
<p><b><span>Sheanon Williams</span> (4.5) -€” </b>Filled in for <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> who recently underwent a minor surgical operation, but he pushed over to the right fullback position which shifted <span>Jalil Anibaba</span> to LB. Williams did pretty well against <span>Gyasi Zardes</span> as the right side of the field was typically harder for LA to get through. Williams had 2 tackles and 2 intercepted passes, but he struggled to send in accurate crosses higher up the field.</p>
<p><b><span>David Horst</span> (2) -€” </b>Although Horst usually cleared the ball from danger well, he had several missteps in this game which were huge factors. He conceded the penalty by handling the ball and he was caught napping on the run by Steven Gerrard which led to the game's only goal.</p>
<p><b><span>Raul Rodriguez</span></b> <b>(4) -€” </b>Like Horst, Rodriguez did well clearing the ball from the back and he passed pretty fairly accurately for a CB, but considering the opportunities LA had, Rodriguez didn't shine.</p>
<p><b>Jalil Anibaba (5) -€”</b> Although Anibaba struggled a bit on the left side against Giovani Dos Santos and his marking at times was off, he was able to make several crucial defensive plays including 2 tackles and 4 intercepted passes. Anibaba was able to get forward at times and contribute some key passes, but his passing accuracy higher up the field was much poorer than in the defensive half of the field.</p>
<p><b><span>Ricardo Clark</span> (6) -€” </b>Clark the last few games hasn't looked quite as dominate in his ability to push higher up the field, but the team as a whole hasn't either -€” specifically on road games, but defensively Clark is still capable of making plays evidenced by his tackling and ability to recover the ball all over central midfield.</p>
<p><b>Oscar <span>Boniek Garcia</span> (5) -€” </b>Boniek on the offensive side of the ball was pretty good as he passed extremely accurately (over 90%) in tight spaces and provided several key passes that led to opportunities for the Dynamo. Defensively, Boniek was often too far up the field and put a lot of pressure on Anibaba.</p>
<p><b><span>Collen Warner</span> (5) -€” </b>Warner intercepted passes well and distributed the ball through to the offense accurately for a CM, but his marking at times wasn't great and he stayed back a little too often never really pushing up beyond the center circle.</p>
<p><b>Alex, MotM, (7) -€”</b> Alex was by far the Man of the Match as he contributed the most on both sides of the ball. Alex had a team high 6 tackles while covering nearly every blade of grass. He passed well which led to scoring opportunities and he had 2 shots on target, more than any player on the field.</p>
<p><b><span>Andrew Wenger</span> (4.5) -€”</b> Didn't really see too many touches considering Wenger had 81 minutes under his belt. Defensively, Wenger supported his old <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> teammate Sheanon Williams by dropping back and recovering the ball. Offensively, Wenger simply wasn't that involved.</p>
<p><b><span>Giles Barnes</span> (5.5) -€”</b> Although I'm not a fan of Barnes as the lone center forward on this team, Barnes was able to have some chances, typically coming from counter attacks where his speed is a big advantage over his opponents. Barnes was able to earn plenty of corners by taking defenders on and he had 6 shots, the most of any Dynamo player, but only 1 was on target. His only shot on target came from a breakaway where he moved through opponents easily, one even slipped, but his final touch was heavy and his shot was sent directly to goalkeeper <span>Brian Rowe</span>.</p>
<h5><b>The Subs: </b></h5>
<p><b><span>Cristian Maidana</span> (5) -€” </b>Delivered some quality service when he came on for Boniek Garcia in the 62<sup>nd</sup> minute, but it wasn't enough to break through the Galaxy defense.</p>
<p><b><span>Erick Torres</span> (N/A) -€” </b>Cubo made an appearance for the Dynamo as he came on for Andrew Wenger in the 81<sup>st</sup> minute. Cubo saw a few touches and even had a shot on target, but there really wasn't enough touches to give him a fair rating.</p>
<p><b><span>Mauro Manotas</span> (N/A) -€” </b>Mauro Manotas entered the match for Sheanon Williams in the 86<sup>th</sup> minute, but Manotas only saw 3 touches on the ball.</p>
<p><b>Coach Wade Barrett (4) -€” </b>This is a frustrating team at times because it's capable of playing much better. Defensively the team is quite good, though it does have the tendency to switch off every so often which allows opponents opportunities to steal points. Since Barrett has taken over the team has only allowed 6 goals in 7 games which is outstanding defensive work. In that same time the team has only scored 5 goals.</p>
<p>This team is capable of scoring high volumes of goals, something we saw early in the season, and has a multitude of options up top including: Giles Barnes, Will Bruin, Mauro Manotas, Cubo Torres, and Andrew Wenger (to name a few). Finding the right combination is part of the equation, but the other is tactics. The team sits too deep on the road and can't press opponents which hurts their chances of creating breakaways. The beauty of Barrett's 4-1-4-1 formation is that it allows for increased pressure in advanced areas of the field without giving up too much. But, it appears we're too timid, intimidated, or simply scared to lose on the road that we defend too deep and let opponents pen us in our own half.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2016/7/20/12241534/houston-dynamo-player-ratings-vs-the-la-galaxy
Gribbs
2016-07-16T09:30:02-05:00
2016-07-16T09:30:02-05:00
Houston Dynamo vs LA Galaxy: Lowlights
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2016/7/16/12205052/houston-dynamo-vs-la-galaxy-lowlights
Alicia Tolar
2016-07-16T00:12:16-05:00
2016-07-16T00:12:16-05:00
Steven Gerrard goal lifts LA over Houston
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<img alt="MLS: Houston Dynamo at LA Galaxy" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hfFwg4WP3WaSjTffd-b0CtTQScI=/0x0:3496x2331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50133017/usa-today-9385543.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Galaxy top Dynamo in Friday night game</p> <p id="I2k7gy">The Dynamo had a much more positive match than many predicted as they headed into LA on a Friday night to play the Galaxy. However, this season being what it is a more positive match didn’t mean that they got the win. In fact, they fell 1-0 to the Galaxy in what most would consider a fairly boring game.</p>
<p id="gZh5Wn">The game got nervy early on for the Dynamo as <span>David Horst</span> was called for a penalty in the 7th minute of the game. <span>Robbie Keane</span> had a shot that went off Horst as he went down to block it. Keane took the ensuing penalty kick but fortunately for the Dynamo it went wide right of the net.</p>
<p id="GK3WtP">Alex had several shots in front of the net in the first half but none of them were destined to find the back of the net. The Dynamo out shot the Galaxy in the first half 6 shots to 4, but the Galaxy had a slight edge in possession.</p>
<p id="xDAbY0">LA would be the team to break the 0-0 deadlock in the second half. In the 66th minute, Keane was once again denied by <span>Joe Willis</span> in front of the net. While making the 1-v-1 save Willis left the net empty and the ball fell to a rushing <span>Steven Gerrard</span> who was able to take advantage of the empty net. Gerrard netted an easy goal to give LA the 1-0 lead.</p>
<p id="U4nrCM">Overall, Houston put up 11 shots to LA’s 8 shots. They were fairly even in possession but LA had the slight edge overall with 51.7% of possession all game.</p>
<p id="vr5Xh9">It was yet another game where the Dynamo didn’t play terrible but just weren’t able to keep their heads in the game enough to get three points. They are back in last place in the Western Conference after a brief moment ahead of the <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Sounders</a>.</p>
<p id="XKXo3n">Soundly in the basement of the Western Conference the team’s only chance for success now lays in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-tennis" class="sbn-auto-link">US Open</a> Cup. The Dynamo play on Wednesday night against <a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Dallas</a> in USOC action.</p>
<h3 id="23fpgV">Lineups</h3>
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<p lang="cy" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/GEICO">@Geico</a> starting XI: Willis; Anibaba, Horst, Rodríguez, Williams; Warner; Wenger, Clark ©, Alex, García; Barnes <a href="https://t.co/k3NYAgYtOF">pic.twitter.com/k3NYAgYtOF</a></p>
— <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/status/754134146428112896">July 16, 2016</a>
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<p lang="pl" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAGalaxy?src=hash">#LAGalaxy</a> XI: Rowe; DLG, Steres, Van Damme, Romney; Husidic, Larentowicz; Dos Santos, Gerrard, Zardes; Keane<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAvHOU?src=hash">#LAvHOU</a> <a href="https://t.co/vgqVzJafqF">pic.twitter.com/vgqVzJafqF</a></p>
— <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a> (@LAGalaxy) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy/status/754133574048059392">July 16, 2016</a>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">62' SUB: Chaco Maidana replaces Boniek García, still knotted at zero. <a href="https://t.co/v95hIdcwVR">https://t.co/v95hIdcwVR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAvHOU?src=hash">#LAvHOU</a></p>
— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/status/754170347721662464">July 16, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">80' SUBS: <span>Erick Torres</span> comes on for <span>Andrew Wenger</span>, and for LA, <span>Mike Magee</span> replaces Steven Gerrard. <a href="https://t.co/v95hIdcwVR">https://t.co/v95hIdcwVR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAvHOU?src=hash">#LAvHOU</a></p>
— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/status/754175012932759552">July 16, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">86' SUB: <span>Mauro Manotas</span> on for Sheanon Williams. All in, trailing 1-0. <a href="https://t.co/v95hIdcwVR">https://t.co/v95hIdcwVR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAvHOU?src=hash">#LAvHOU</a></p>
— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/status/754176337636536320">July 16, 2016</a>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">89' SUB: <span>Sebastian Lletget</span> replaces Gio dos Santos. No more subs for either side, LA up 1-0. <a href="https://t.co/v95hIdcwVR">https://t.co/v95hIdcwVR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAvHOU?src=hash">#LAvHOU</a></p>
— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/status/754177259439656960">July 16, 2016</a>
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<p id="eik6hY"> </p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2016/7/16/12204740/houston-dynamo-vs-la-galaxy-final-score-galaxy-top-dynamo-in-friday-night-game
Alicia Tolar
2016-07-15T19:00:02-05:00
2016-07-15T19:00:02-05:00
Houston Dynamo vs LA Galaxy: How to watch, lineups and more
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<figcaption>Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Houston are in LA for a Friday night matchup.</p> <h4>Who</h4>
<p><a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> vs <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a></p>
<h4>What</h4>
<p>Houston are on the road hoping to hand LA their first home loss of the season. Houston has struggled this season and teams have struggled to score against LA which doesn't bode well for the Dynamo's chances. You can check out our full preview <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2016/7/14/12172584/houston-dynamo-vs-la-galaxy-preview-dynamo-looking-to-hand-galaxy">h</a><a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2016/7/14/12172584/houston-dynamo-vs-la-galaxy-preview-dynamo-looking-to-hand-galaxy">ere</a><a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2016/7/14/12172584/houston-dynamo-vs-la-galaxy-preview-dynamo-looking-to-hand-galaxy">.</a></p>
<h4>Where</h4>
<p>StubHub Center in Carson, CA</p>
<h4>When</h4>
<p>Friday, July 15 at 10 pm CT</p>
<h4>How to Watch</h4>
<p>UniMás (KFTH 67 Houston)</p>
<p>CBS Sports Radio 650 AM (KIKK)</p>
<p>Radio.com APP</p>
<p>Univision Radio 1010 AM (KLAT)</p>
<h4>Fan lineups</h4>
<p>The 4-1-4-1 had become the leading formation for fans. <span>Tyler Deric</span> is the man that fans want to see start in goal against LA. The rest of the lineup breaks down as follows.</p>
<p><span>David Horst</span> (CB) 86.4%<br><span>Abdoulie Mansally</span> (LB) 59.1%<br><span>Raul Rodriguez</span> (CB) 86.4%<br><span>Sheanon Williams</span> (RB) 77.3%<br><span>Ricardo Clark</span> (CDM/CM) 100%<br>Oscar Boniek Garcia (RB/CAM/LM/RM) 72.7%<br><span>Cristian Maidana</span> (CAM/LM) 63.6%<br><span>Collen Warner</span> (CM) 59.1%<br><span>Giles Barnes</span> (FW/LW/RW) 81.8%<br><span>Andrew Wenger</span> (FW/LW/RW) 50%</p>
<h4>Lineups</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="cy" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/GEICO">@Geico</a> starting XI: Willis; Anibaba, Horst, Rodríguez, Williams; Warner; Wenger, Clark ©, Alex, García; Barnes <a href="https://t.co/k3NYAgYtOF">pic.twitter.com/k3NYAgYtOF</a></p>— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/status/754134146428112896">July 16, 2016</a>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2016/7/15/12200486/houston-dynamo-vs-la-galaxy-how-to-watch-lineups-and-more
Alicia Tolar
2016-07-15T11:30:02-05:00
2016-07-15T11:30:02-05:00
Three keys for the Dynamo against the Galaxy
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<figcaption>Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Dynamo get another crack at LA after getting blown out by them earlier in the season. </p> <p>Back on April 15th, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> embarrassed the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> to the tune of 4-1, at BBVA Compass Stadium, no less. It was one of the final games of Owen Coyle's reign as manager — he would have about a month and a half left — and it can be argued that game was rock-bottom for the Dynamo. At home, getting blown out by an opponent that was then relatively close to them in the standings — only two teams between them — and after that game, they dropped into last place and didn't relinquish it for months.</p>
<p>Wade Barrett now gets a chance to avenge the previous loss. It won't be easy, though, because the Galaxy have improved since then, and this time around, Houston are the away team.</p>
<p>Here's what they can do to make sure they don't fall back down into the abyss:</p>
<h4>1. Compactness and man-marking</h4>
<p>The list of high-quality attackers the Galaxy have goes on and on and on. Bruce Arena has about 900 different realistic options to play in the attack: Giovani dos Santos, <span>Steven Gerrard</span>, <span>Mike Magee</span>, <span>Robbie Keane</span>, <span>Gyasi Zardes</span>, <span>Sebastian Lletget</span>, <span>Emmanuel Boateng</span>, <span>Jack McBean</span>, Jose Villareal, Bradford Jamieson, <span>Ariel Lassiter</span>, and <span>Alan Gordon</span> each have gotten time on the field this season, from 17 minutes (Villareal) to 1158 (dos Santos). That's one of the reasons why LA are considered one of the scariest teams in MLS.</p>
<p>This is a rough approximation of what the lineup will look like:</p>
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<p>It will <i>likely </i>be a 4-2-3-1. The only reason I say that is because that's what they played in Seattle last week. In fact, that's the exact lineup they played at Century Link. So Arena may or may not be inclined to change something, depending on how much he values their mid-week <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-golf">U.S. Open</a> Cup match against the Sounders on July 15th. For some reason, I doubt he cares at all about that game, considering the extremely weak lineup he used in their last USOC match, so this is my best bet on what their lineup will look like.</p>
<p>Sometimes, dos Santos will decide he doesn't want to play winger anymore and range up front with Keane, meaning Husidic will take over the right midfield role and the formation will shift to more of a USMNT-style 4-1-3-2. <span>Jeff Larentowicz</span> then becomes the only midfielder playing defense, and teams take advantage of the space that is then given to them, so Gerrard is subbed off for someone who can help defensively. That's why he hasn't played 90 minutes since May.</p>
<p>This lineup — or something similar to this lineup — can be incredibly effective when everybody is working at their best. They can do things like this to their opponents:</p>
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<p>They'll pass around in one area for a little bit before finding a tiny area of space and switching the field to a wide open attacker — in the above case, it was dos Santos — and then they get into transition, running into space vacated by defenders who had pushed to the other side of the field, and they earn an opportunity on goal. They disorganize backlines, and often find a way to take advantage of them.</p>
<p>The Dynamo, in turn, have to be able to keep their shape and make sure nobody gets too open. Don't let them switch the field, and prevent skillful players from finding space in the final third. Stay compact, and mark everybody.</p>
<p>This won't guarantee a clean sheet or anything, but it will put them on a good path towards one.</p>
<h4>2. Speed kills</h4>
<p>The Galaxy's backline has been one of the best in MLS this season, as the combination of veteran know-how and young talent has allowed it to flourish despite early doubts about its viability. <span>Ashley Cole</span> has been — in my opinion — the best left back in the league, <span>Jelle Van Damme</span> has established himself as LA's most underrated signing of their busy offseason, <span>Daniel Steres</span> has secured himself a starting job alongside the Belgian Van Damme, and <span>A.J. DeLaGarza</span> has done well while filling in for injured right back Robby Rogers. Dave Romney is a good young depth option as well.</p>
<p>The center back pairing of Steres and Van Damme — with the offseason departure of <span>Omar Gonzalez</span>, they have primarily played together — has been especially effective this season. They are both over 6'0", and Van Damme is 6'3", so they dominate in the air. Steres scored a set piece goal in his first MLS match, and he was the leading scorer in 2013 for the USL's Wilmington Hammerheads, with seven goals.</p>
<p>It's safe to say that these two have more <span>Steve Birnbaum</span> in them than they do DeAndre Yedlin.</p>
<p>So as good as they've been in the physical aspects of the game — heading, tackling, shielding and the like — they lack the speed to keep up with sprinting attackers. Consistently, they have both been beaten by agile wingers and forwards this season, and they've needed their full backs to prevent any disasters. This run by <span>Cristian Roldan</span> was against Romney, but it could easily be applied to Van Damme or Steres:</p>
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<p>Roldan gets the Sounders attack in a good spot thanks to his run past Romney, and while Van Damme ended the play with a nice defensive block, the Galaxy backline is vulnerable to those kinds of attacks.</p>
<p>Also of note: <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/07/14/la-galaxy-defender-ashley-cole-miss-fridays-match-vs-houston-dynamo" target="_blank">Cole will be out </a>injured on Friday, and defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/07/13/mls-disciplinary-committee-suspends-nigel-de-jong-additional-game" target="_blank">will be suspended</a> (again). That means Steres and Van Damme will have less support, and that the Dynamo should be able to break through the backline a little easier.</p>
<p>It also means that players' ankles will not be shattered, thanks to the DisCo's additional suspension of de Jong.</p>
<h4>3. Keep an eye on Keane</h4>
<p>I couldn't finish this article without giving Robbie Keane more than a brief mention. Keane is one of the best players MLS has ever seen — yes, I will go that far — and he has proven himself to be one most talented goal-scorers ever to come into this league.</p>
<p>With over 110 combined goals and assists in his 10,000 MLS minutes, Keane produces at an unmatched rate, and he is always someone teams have to watch at all times, because he can change games in an instant. He runs behind defenses, he links play up top, and he finishes with incredible calmness and effectiveness. The Dynamo have to be able to deal with him.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2016/7/15/12190136/three-keys-for-the-dynamo-against-the-la-galaxy
Harrison Hamm
2016-07-14T11:30:03-05:00
2016-07-14T11:30:03-05:00
Pick the Dynamo Lineup against the LA Galaxy
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<img alt="Will Abdoulie Mansally get the start in the place of DaMarcus Beasley?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i9RnaQnxwjPILq0AChFJJWENo8k=/0x0:2271x1514/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50118361/usa-today-9362469.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Will Abdoulie Mansally get the start in the place of DaMarcus Beasley? | Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Houston Dynamo are still hoping for their first road win of the season. Who is in your starting lineup against the LA Galaxy?</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> would like to rebound from their previous road outing against <a href="https://www.themaneland.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando City</a> SC which resulted in a dull 0-0 draw as they head to Los Angeles to take on the <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a>. The Dynamo last played the Galaxy at BBVA Compass Stadium and fell 4-1 in not only the worst home performance of the season, but one of only 2 games in which the Dynamo lost by more than 1 goal (the other coming at Avaya Stadium to the <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Jose Earthquakes</a>).</p>
<p>Defensively, the Dynamo have been among the best recently as they've only given up 3 shots on target in the last 2 games. However, the support on the offensive side of the ball has not always been there, particularly on the road. Wade Barrett's system is supposed to clog midfield passing lanes with players in order to force turnovers in advanced areas of the field, but against Orlando last week players were reluctant to get forward and the team sat in too much. That must change if they want a result against the LA Galaxy who, like Orlando City, are unbeaten at home.</p>
<p>Personnel wise, the Dynamo are the same as before with one glaring exception. All players remain healthy and available except for <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> who recently underwent a minor surgical operation on his left knee which should sideline him for up to 4 weeks. Beasley has been a huge part of the success the Dynamo has had defensively and has been a factor pushing up the field and linking with Alex Lima, Oscar Boniek Garcia, and <span>Cristian Maidana</span>.</p>
<p>There are a few options to replace Beasley with <span>Abdoulie Mansally</span> being the usual player to get the call when Beasley is out. Mansally is a converted forward turned left back who is similar in style of play to Beasley. Barrett could also turn to <span>Sheanon Williams</span> who filled in for Beasley when he was substituted against Orlando. Alternatively, <span>Raul Rodriguez</span> is also capable of filling in which could lead to an Agus appearance at center back.</p>
<p><iframe width="350" height="500" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://lineupbuilder.com/350x500/?p=11&a=1&t=&c=ff7b00&1=GK_Deric__388_174&2=DL_Mansally__317_64&3=DCL_Rodriguez__327_138&4=DCR_Horst__327_211&5=DR_Anibaba__317_284&6=DMC_Warner__258_174&7=AL_Maidana__158_78&8=MC_Alex__186_136&9=MCAR_Clark__186_211&10=AR_Barnes__158_269&11=FC_Bruin__98_174&c2=ffffff&c3=ffffff&output=embed"></iframe></p>
<h5><b>My Projected Lineup</b></h5>
<p>Against Orlando City, the Dynamo lacked creativity which is why I believe Barrett to try Cristian Maidana at left midfield/left winger again instead of Oscar Boniek Garcia. Boniek, who has played well lately, really had a tough outing against Orlando and Chaco Maidana seems to have regained confidence and form in his substitute appearances. I don't believe Barrett will change too much else given the defensive success the club has seen, but <span>Mauro Manotas</span> or <span>Erick Torres</span> could certainly see some time either as substitutes or as starters if Barrett decided to shake things up offensively.</p>
<p>How will the Dynamo cope with the loss of Beasley in the back? Will the offense finally take off? It all depends on how they line up, and we want to know how you'd set your starting XI against the LA Galaxy. Let us know below and feel free to share your formation and starting squad in the comments below.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEW9UO9ONiW-Yj9jiLYGYpzP_oqz2oE85kxktg-qxVs6nj8g/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2016/7/14/12188170/pick-the-houston-dynamo-lineup-against-the-la-galaxy
Gribbs
2016-07-14T09:30:02-05:00
2016-07-14T09:30:02-05:00
Dynamo looking to hand Galaxy first home loss of the season
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X6p5rhbZYBvEgcYn5RbtppRkzxk=/0x22:3000x2022/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50102871/usa-today-9252348.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Dynamo</a> are in LA for a Friday night match up against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a>. When the two teams faced off earlier this season LA came away with a 4-1 win. This time the Dynamo are hoping to hand the Galaxy their first home loss of the season.</p>
<p>The Dynamo have struggled this season, sitting in last place in the West most of the season, but after drawing against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.themaneland.com/">Orlando City</a> SC last weekend Houston finally managed to get into ninth place. Since taking over the team, Wade Barrett is 1-1-4 on the season. With Coyle's departure the team has seen a return to the old school <span>Dominic Kinnear</span> style of play. Barrett has renewed the teams focus on possession and defense which at times has creating issues scoring, but kept the team from racking up the losses.</p>
<p>The Galaxy have been a tough squad to score against this season only allowing 18 goals all season. They tout a +13 goal differential but they only sit in 4th place in the Western Conference. With a 7-3-8 record the Galaxy have struggle to take three points away from a game often having to settle for one. They have yet to lose a game this season when playing at home.</p>
<p>The Dynamo will be without <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> who will be out 2-4 weeks after having work done on his knee. Beasley had been announced as the captain for the remainder of the season after the teams win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a>.</p>
<p>Things kick off at StubHub Center on Friday at 10 pm CT</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2016/7/14/12172584/houston-dynamo-vs-la-galaxy-preview-dynamo-looking-to-hand-galaxy
Alicia Tolar