Dynamo Theory - Match Day 26: Houston Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas CityYou may all go to hell and I will support the Dynamo.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48763/dynamotheory-fave.png2014-09-02T09:30:02-05:00http://www.dynamotheory.com/rss/stream/58447242014-09-02T09:30:02-05:002014-09-02T09:30:02-05:00Player Ratings: Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uHrye1nA9OGdK7DduKVoeQgsQgE=/0x60:4000x2727/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37811640/20140829_ajw_sa7_466.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Dynamo defeated Eastern Conference rival Sporting Kansas City and notched their 2nd road win of the season in memorable fashion. The Dynamo won 3-1 and found 2 goals come from set pieces. </p> <p></p>
<p><b>5 quick observations about this one:</b></p>
<p>1) Both Bruin and Hall were injured in this game</p>
<p>2) Set piece king returns: <span>Brad Davis</span> nets 2 assists over dead balls</p>
<p>3) Taylor's goal line save and Horst's header stood out as key highlights for efforts on both ends of the field</p>
<p>4) The defense held up and performed pretty well in a tough place to play</p>
<p>5) What an atmosphere for arguably the best game of the year. The weather, the physicality, and the scoring all made for a picturesque Friday evening</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> Player Ratings:</b> <br> <br> <b>Tally Hall (6)</b> - While there were a few nervy moments for Hall and the Dynamo defense (see <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-29-sporting-kansas-city-vs-houston-dynamo/details/video/23903">Taylor's goal line save</a>), he kept it together and the Dynamo kept the ball on the other part of the field fairly often. The biggest talking point around Hall was his injury. Nobody likes to be substituted and coaches don't like using them on their keepers unless they have to. Hall had more than one opportunity to leave the field, but decided to try and play through it - something that probably made the injury much worse than it was.</p>
<p><br> <b><span>Kofi Sarkodie</span> (5.5)</b> - Sarkodie will unfortunately miss out on the game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a> due to yellow card accumulation as he saw yellow for reacting to Benny Feilhaber's shove by doing the same thing. In this game though he patrolled the right side pretty well and didn't give up the ball too often. He made some good clearances, but was lacking on the offensive side of the ball.</p>
<p><br> <b><span>David Horst</span> (7)</b> - David Horst scored his first goal in orange and what a goal it was. The service was perfect, but Horst was left unmarked and put an amazing amount of power behind his header which put the Dynamo back on top after being <span>Dom Dwyer</span> equalized things. <a href="http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2014-08-29-sporting-kansas-city-vs-houston-dynamo/details/video/23914">His reaction to scoring</a> was also probably the best I've seen all year.</p>
<p><br> <b><span>Jermaine Taylor</span> (6.5)</b> - This was one of Taylor's best games of the year in my opinion. Taylor was a beast on defense as he cleared several balls, intercepted passes, challenged players, and he prevented a goal by clearing it off the line. He had a good opportunity to score right after the weather delay too, but his header was just off the mark.</p>
<p><br> <b><span>Corey Ashe</span> (4)</b> - Ashe once again filled in for <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> and handled himself fairly well on the defensive end of the ball as he was able to rid the Dynamo defense of danger with some of his tackles, but he was just not up to snuff on the other end of the ball. Ashe turned the ball over way too many times including one back pass to Jermaine Taylor that could have led to a very good chance for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a>.</p>
<p><br> <b><span>Luis Garrido</span> (6.5) </b>- Garrido proved to be very difficult to handle and pass through in the midfield. Garrido intercepted passes seven times in the game and dropped back to defend very ably.</p>
<p><br> <b><span>Ricardo Clark</span> (7.5)</b> - Besides giving the Dynamo the insurance goal for the win, Clark only gave up the ball once in the midfield. He made several crucial clearances for the Dynamo and recovered the ball well out of the back midfield.</p>
<p><br> <b>Oscar Boniek Garcia (6)</b> - Boniek had a quieter night than some of the other players around him. While some of his usual tricks over the ball stood out, his passing was noticeably poorer than his typical standard and he really had a tough time becoming involved in the offense. <br> <br> <b>Brad Davis, MotM, (8)</b> - Davis proved that he and his magical left foot still have what it takes to deliver on set pieces as he notched two key assists. Davis rarely gave the ball away and made several good defensive stands as well, earning the ball back for the team. Overall, it was a good night for the Dynamo captain.</p>
<p><b><br> <span>Giles Barnes</span> (5.5)</b> - Barnes made some dangerous runs and created a few great opportunities for others, but rarely found room for his own chances (Barnes took 0 shots in the game). Barnes did bring plenty of energy and stood up for his team in the first half "brawl" that broke out before half-time.</p>
<p><br> <b><span>Will Bruin</span> (6.5)</b> - The Dancing Bear scored his 10<sup>th</sup> goal of the season in the 35<sup>th</sup> minute on a one touch shot following a poor clearance by Aurelien Collin. It was a short celebration as Bruin injured himself on the kick that opened up the scoring at Sporting Park. Though Bruin continued to play, he had to be subbed off just 5 minutes after he scored.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>The Subs: </b><br> <b><br> <span>Jason Johnson</span> (3.5) </b>- JJ came on for Bruin in just the 40<sup>th</sup> minute and to me he never really showed up. Johnson failed to take any shots as a forward and struggled to connect passes all over the field.</p>
<p><b><span>Tyler Deric</span> (7) </b>- Deric came in for the injured Tally Hall cold, or without warming up. That didn't affect Deric at all. Deric was confident in his abilities from the start and aggressively took crosses out of the air.</p>
<p><b><span>Andrew Driver</span> (N/A) </b>- Came on in the last minute of regulation play and rarely touched the ball.</p>
<p><b><br> Coach Dominic Kinnear (7) </b>- This was a great win by the Dynamo. They came out early and dominated the match, and even though momentum favored SKC after the weather delay, the team never backed down and was able to score before the half. In the second half the team was able to continue to mount pressure and score on set pieces. My only qualm with Kinnear is how he handled <span>Tally Hall's</span> injury. Maybe he can't be blamed and it's all on Tally, but allowing him to continue to play may prove to be a long term problem.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/9/2/6096027/player-ratings-houston-dynamo-vs-sporting-kansas-cityGribbs2014-09-01T17:28:12-05:002014-09-01T17:28:12-05:00UPDATED Hall out with ruptured ACL
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/42iowgjg375GsXwqrSzLFp5H02k=/0x109:4000x2776/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37800920/20140823_lbm_sb8_325.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After sustaining a knee injury Friday Tally Hall's status in doubt while he under goes further tests. </p> <p>While there still hasn't been any official word on Tally Hall's knee injury from Friday's win over Kansas City tweets from Sebastian Salazar don't sound too positive.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Sensing from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dynamo?src=hash">#Dynamo</a> that team is fairly pessimistic re: Tally Hall's knee injury. Hall not at prax, underwent tests on knee this AM. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash">#MLS</a></p>
— Sebastian Salazar (@SebiSalazarCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/SebiSalazarCSN/statuses/506555348384481280">September 1, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>"We're mentally preparing for Tyler [Deric] to be in goal and go the rest of the way for us" - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dynamo?src=hash">#Dynamo</a> captain Brad Davis this morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash">#MLS</a></p>
— Sebastian Salazar (@SebiSalazarCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/SebiSalazarCSN/statuses/506555685551603712">September 1, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Hall collided with Aurelien Collin as both went up for an aerial ball during the game Friday. Athletic trainers came out on the field and looked at Hall's knee appearing to check the stability of the knee. He stayed in the game initially, but he was unable to finish it out and back up Tyler Deric came in to the game in the 80th minute.</p>
<p>If he is unable to play Tyler Deric will be the teams go to keeper. A Houston Academy product Deric has played in two games for the Dynamo this season. Deric started in the May 6th game against Sporting Kansas City.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>**UPDATE**</p>
<p>Dynamo third string goalkeeper Michael Lisch has been recalled from the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.</p>
<p>**UPDATE PART II**</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>JUST IN: Tally Hall has suffered a ruptured ACL in his right knee. He is expected to undergo surgery at @HoustonMethodist on Friday.</p>
— HoustonDynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/statuses/506891061713985537">September 2, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>According to a tweet from Hall he will be out for 6-9 months.Tyler Deric will likely be the starter for the rest of 2014 for the Dynamo.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/9/1/6095035/houston-dynamo-pessimitic-about-tally-halls-knee-injury-mlsAlicia Tolar2014-08-31T09:30:02-05:002014-08-31T09:30:02-05:00DT Rewind: Week of August 24
<figure>
<img alt="Make sure you catch all of the articles for the week! " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e_gQGySMcElGHnm_EoTRsgFosow=/0x59:4000x2726/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37696832/20140829_ajw_br3_565.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Make sure you catch all of the articles for the week! | Gary Rohman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After a few weeks off DT Rewind returns to make sure you don't miss an article! </p> <h4>Monday</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/25/6063821/editors-notes-morgan-brian-uva-womens-soccer-houston-dash">Editor's Notes: Want to spend the number one draft pick? Go Morgan Brian</a></p>
<h4>Tuesday</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/19/6043707/player-ratings-dynamo-vs-union">Player Ratings: Dynamo vs Union</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/26/6029247/expectations-to-high">Leave the Blame, Bring the Flame!</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/25/6068179/will-bruin-brews-for-pups-dynamo-charities-houston-spca-no-label-brewing">Bruin Brews for Pups</a></p>
<div class="floated-video">
<div data-show-border="true" data-stream="false" data-header="true" data-show-faces="true" data-colorscheme="light" data-height="390" data-width="250" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/dynamotheory" class="fb-like-box"></div>
</div>
<h4>Wednesday</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/27/6068205/fantasy-mls-three-stacks-of-high-society">Fantasy MLS: Three Stacks of High Society</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/27/6068223/the-mls-allocation-order-is-dead">The MLS Allocation Order* Is Dead</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/27/6075499/nwsl-announces-2015-schedule-format">NWSL announces 2015 schedule format</a></p>
<h4>Thursday</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/28/6077141/match-preview-dynamo-enter-the-blue-hell">Match Preview: Dynamo enter the Blue Hell</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/28/6076701/the-leagues-lowdown-august-22nd-august-28">The League's Lowdown: August 22nd - August 28</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/28/6076945/what-should-the-houston-dynamo-retirement-gift-to-landon-donovan-be-mls">What should the Dynamo retirement gift to Landon Donovan be?</a></p>
<h4>Friday</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/29/6080745/three-questions-with-ben-gartland-of-the-blue-testament">Three Questions with Ben Gartland of The Blue Testament</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/29/6081783/houston-dash-re-sign-melissa-henderson-nwsl">Houston Dash re-sign Melissa Henderson</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/29/6083303/two-dash-defenders-on-roster-for-uswnt">Two Dash defenders on roster for USWNT</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/29/6080685/live-gamethread-houston-dynamo-vs-sporting-kansas-city">Live Gamethread: Houston Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/8/29/6085027/blame-the-sporting-kc-houston-dynamo-delay-on-the-apocalypse" target="_blank">Blame the Sporting KC-Houston Dynamo delay on the apocalypse (from SB Nation)</a></p>
<h4>Saturday</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/30/6085549/video-highlights-houston-dynamo-vs-sporting-kansas-city-mls-will-bruin-brad-davis-rico-clark" target="_blank">Video Highlights: Houston Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City</a></p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/31/6084799/dt-rewind-week-of-august-24-houston-dynamoAlicia Tolar2014-08-29T23:29:42-05:002014-08-29T23:29:42-05:00Houston Dynamo win on the road against Kansas City
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ycw3d31FLQejthRpjldyKkTsOhQ=/71x0:3928x2571/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37673670/20140829_pjc_sa7_017.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>OH MY GOD THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY HERE. </p> <p>What a game, we saw just about everything and anything and oh my goodness the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Dynamo</a> won on the road! Yes there is beer flying up in the air in Houston. Anyhow enough fan girling, lets get down to the recap.</p>
<h3>First 45+</h3>
<p>Well should we call it first 100+ because of the rain who knows. Anyhow the first 17 minutes was choppy play by both sides with no one really getting anywhere other than a few corners here and there. But after the 1 hour delay due to lightning in the sky, it seems the sparks touched down right on to the field. The game became very wide open with multiple fights breaking out. Mark Geiger in my opinion handled it in the best way possible and kept it a 11 man game. The major dust up between the two teams coming after <span>Benny Feilhaber</span> pushed <span>Kofi Sarkodie</span>.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>For those at the game, here's the full picture of what started the skirmish — half of which I'm sure wasn't shown. <a href="http://t.co/pm23Wm0C8G">http://t.co/pm23Wm0C8G</a></p>
— Andy Edwards (@AndyEdMLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndyEdMLS/statuses/505546293985292288">August 30, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
In the 35' that <span>Will Bruin</span> danced once again and put the Dynamo up 1-0! To sum it up perfectly:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>GOAL DANCING BEAR WILL BRUIN OH YEAH OH YEAH</p>
— HoustonDynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/statuses/505539416807309313">August 30, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</span></p>
<p>Bruin was injured on the play and was forced to come out of the game soon after with an injury to his right foot with <span>Jason Johnson</span> coming on in his place. After the goal by Bruin the came really got chippy until Mark Geiger blew for half time.</p>
<h3>Second 45+</h3>
<p>Wow, if one word was to describe this game it would be wow. The power, not in the shots taken but the power in the hearts of every Dynamo player was something I have not seen in awhile. They all wanted it, they all have felt the criticism and have been desperate to prove us all wrong. I'm happy to say that in the second half they did just that!</p>
<p>It started with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Kansas City</a> putting on more pressure and in the end Dom "Falling Down" Dwyer scored a goal in the 54' which tied up the game.</p>
<p>However unlike before the Dynamo didn't point fingers but rather Wrecked it! Yes in the 62' off of a <span>Brad Davis</span> free kick <span>David Horst</span> scored his first in Orange!</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Hark! A goal appears in the night! <a href="http://t.co/vvaO6ttKAp">pic.twitter.com/vvaO6ttKAp</a></p>
— HoustonDynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/statuses/505551946774618112">August 30, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</span></p>
<p>However the fireworks were not yet over as minutes later <span>Calen Carr</span> made an appearance oops, I mean <span>Ricardo Clark</span> got his head/helmet to the ball off of another Brad Davis Free kick to score! The Dynamo had secured at 3-1 lead that they would hold on to to win the game.</p>
<p>In the 72' <span>Tally Hall</span> and <span>Aurelien Collin</span> collided while challenging for an aerial ball. Hall injured his knee on the play. Hall continued on in the game for a while but eventually he had to be replaced by backup <span>Tyler Deric</span> in the 80'.</p>
<p>What a game, it was amazing that both sides managed to end with 11 men. This just goes to show that with everyone betting against them:</p>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>"He who says he can and he who says he can't are both usually right" Tonight the dynamo will prove that WE can! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForeverOrange?src=hash">#ForeverOrange</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dynamotheory">@dynamotheory</a></p>
— Alex Gumm (@Dynamo_Defender) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dynamo_Defender/statuses/505419579686809600">August 29, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p>What a beautiful orange night it turned out to be!</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/29/6085415/match-recap-houston-dynamo-vs-sporting-kansas-city-mlsDynamo_Defender2014-08-29T18:00:03-05:002014-08-29T18:00:03-05:00Live gamethread: Houston Dynamo vs Kansas City
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mz9zN6Fu0S4f5YmLCBVjHT81fAE=/0x0:2039x1359/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37610744/Dynamo_vs_SportingKC_1102.0.JPG" />
<figcaption><a href='www.bluecityphotography.com'>Trask Smith</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>All the details as the Dynamo go on the road against SKC. </p> <p><b>The Basics</b></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> vs <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a></p>
<p>Friday, August 29, 7pm CT</p>
<p>Sporting Park, Kansas City, Kan.</p>
<p><b>Broadcast</b></p>
<p>NBC Sports Network</p>
<p>ESPN 97.5 FM and 850 AM (Spanish)</p>
<p><b>Preview</b></p>
<p>Familiar playoff foes, Sporting Kansas City and the Houston Dynamo meet for the second time this season with the <br>clubs having very different outlooks, as they clash Friday evening at Sporting Park before an NBC Sports Network <br>audience. Sporting fell out of the top spot in the East last weekend, following a 3-0 home loss to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a>, who <br>moved into the point position. The Dynamo suffered their seventh consecutive defeat away from home, dropping a 3-0 <br>decision at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.massivereport.com/">Columbus Crew</a>, leaving them five points out of the final playoff position in the conference.</p>
<p><b>REFEREE:</b> Mark Geiger. AR1 (bench): Adam Wienckowski; AR2 (opposite): C.J. Morgante; 4th: Ted Unkel <br>MLS Career: 122 games; FC/gm: 26.6; Y/gm: 3.5; R: 30; pens: 42</p>
<p><b>WARNINGS</b>:</p>
<p>SUSPENDED: none</p>
<p>SUSPENDED NEXT YELLOW CARD: KC: <span>Dom Dwyer</span>, <span>Benny Feilhaber</span>, <span>Paulo Nagamura</span> ... HOU: <span>Kofi Sarkodie</span></p>
<p>SUSPENDED AFTER TWO YELLOW CARDS: KC: <span>Antonio Dovale</span>, <span>Eric Kronberg</span>, <span>Kevin Ellis</span>, <span>Lawrence Olum</span>, Seth <br>Sinovic, <span>Igor Juliao</span> ... HOU: <span>Will Bruin</span>, <span>Ricardo Clark</span></p>
<p>DISABLED LIST: KC: <span>Peterson Joseph</span>, <span>Ike Opara</span>, <span>Chance Myers</span> (season-ending injury)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.methodisthealth.com/SportsMedicine"><b>Injury Report Presented by Houston Methodist</b></a> (<b>As of Wednesday, Aug. 27</b>)<u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p><b><u>Dynamo:</u></b><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p><b>OUT</b>:<b> <span>Tony Cascio</span> </b>- R knee surgery; <b><span>Mark Sherrod</span></b> - L knee ACL tear <u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p><b>QUESTIONABLE</b>: <b><span>DaMarcus Beasley</span></b> - L hamstring strain<u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p><b><u>Sporting KC:</u></b><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p><b>OUT: </b><b>Ike Opara</b> - R ankle; <b>Chance Myers</b> - L Achilles; <b>Eric Kronberg</b> - fractured fourth metacarpal in L hand; <b><span>Jacob Peterson</span></b> - L knee strain<u></u><u></u></p>
<p><b><u></u> <u></u></b></p>
<p><b>QUESTIONABLE: </b><b>Paulo Nagamura </b>- L ankle sprain; <b><span>Sal Zizzo</span></b> - lower back contusion<u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u></p>
<p><b>HEAD-TO-HEAD </b><br>ALL-TIME (19 meetings): Sporting 5 wins, 21 goals ... Dynamo 6 wins, 22 goals ... Ties 8 <br>AT KANSAS CITY (9 meetings): Sporting 2 wins, 11 goals ... Dynamo 3 wins, 10 goals ... Ties 4</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/29/6080685/live-gamethread-houston-dynamo-vs-sporting-kansas-cityAlicia Tolar2014-08-29T09:30:02-05:002014-08-29T09:30:02-05:00Three Questions with Ben Gartland of The Blue Test
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wFP3XTV-yXjKnGYHRFTwSu171nU=/0x150:2660x1923/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37610750/20131129_kkt_sm8_644.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ben Gartland of The Blue Testament answered a few questions of ours ahead of the upcoming Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City match. </p> <p></p>
<p>As the playoff chances grow dimmer and dimmer the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> have a chance at redemption against Conference rival <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a>. This won't be an easy game, as Dynamo Theory's Justin Jerkins points out in our <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/28/6077141/match-preview-dynamo-enter-the-blue-hell">preview for the upcoming match</a>. The Dynamo are hoping to keep their playoff hopes alive and make up for a poor showing in Columbus last week. Kansas City on the other hand had a tough game against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> and are hoping to avoid dropping two games at home in a row. I talked with <a href="https://twitter.com/BenG_Sports">Ben Gartland</a> of <a href="http://www.thebluetestament.com/">The Blue Testament</a> to see how things have changed since last the last time these teams met and to discuss the rivalry that has developed between the two over the years.</p>
<p><b>Dynamo Theory: SKC dropped the Dynamo 2-0 in Houston in June. How will this team differ from the one that bested us once already this year?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>The Blue Testament: </b>There will be a lot more players available for selection, namely <span>Graham Zusi</span> and <span>Matt Besler</span>, who were both with the National Team at that point. Sporting has also added defensive midfielder Jorge Claros and they've been forced to recall <span>Jon Kempin</span> from Oklahoma City to be the starting keeper. The team overall seems better than the team that played the Dynamo back in June since they don't have as many defensive issues, plus having Graham Zusi on the wing adds a lot to the attack. Sporting has been on and off the past couple of weeks, however, so we'll just have to see which team shows up to this match.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><br> <b>DT:</b> <b>Last week's matches did not go well for either side and I fully expect each team to come back motivated to win. That being said, Houston is entering the Sporting Park and has only won once on the road all year. What are some ways that the Dynamo could hope to earn a result in a tough place to play?</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>BT:</b> Well, Houston's tendency to give up goals this goal does not bode well for them considering Sporting's improved front three this year and their high pressure system. The good news for the Dynamo is that Sporting KC has been very underwhelming at home and have a defensive liability at right back in <span>Igor Juliao</span>, who will be going up against Brad Davis. Teams have been able to come into Sporting Park and put numbers behind the ball, waiting for an opportunity to catch the wing backs too far forward. Kinnear is a coach that will grind out a result if needed so I could definitely see him employing this strategy, especially with the Davis-Juliao matchup.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><br> <b>DT: Dynamo supporters often feel like a rivalry exists between Sporting Kansas City and our men in orange. Is it fair to call these teams rivals and if so what are some of your favorite moments when these two teams go head to head?<br> <br> </b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>BT: </b>I would definitely say that Sporting Kansas City and the Dynamo are rivals. The Dynamo broke Sporting fans hearts in 2011 when they came into Sporting Park and cost the team a berth in the MLS Cup right when the momentum of the rebrand has reached a peak. Then, they infuriated Sporting supporters the very next year when they were able to hold on to the advantage they gained in the first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals. As for my favorite moments, well last year's MLS Cup felt amazing to finally have a champion in Kansas City. It was made even sweeter the fact that Sporting was able to beat the Dynamo on the way to the Cup. Not to mention Sporting giving Houston their first loss at BBVA Compass Stadium and <span>Aurelien Collin</span> scoring a late goal during our unbeaten run in 2011. Both of these teams play a physical style and it elevates the game each time these teams play. If/When Houston moves to the Western Conference, that one game a season between the two squads is going to be spectacular.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>My responses to Ben's questions can be found on <a href="http://www.thebluetestament.com/2014/8/28/6077589/behind-enemy-lines-three-questions-with-dynamo-theory">The Blue Testament's website</a>. Please be sure to check it out and be nice!</p>
<p></p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/29/6080745/three-questions-with-ben-gartland-of-the-blue-testamentGribbs2014-08-28T09:30:02-05:002014-08-28T09:30:02-05:00Match Preview: Dynamo Look to Rebound After Loss
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lZxAbu9pTbxCPhW4Y8tav5YRcKs=/90x419:2730x2179/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37562066/20131123_jla_sr9_774.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With their first visit since a 2013 Conference Final Exit, Houston travels to Sporting Kansas City for a rare road win. </p> <p>Take your pick from either of the last two Houston & Kansas City matchups and the story begins the same way - it all starts so well.</p>
<p>November 2013, the last time Houston traveled to Sporting Park, <span>Boniek Garcia</span> netted in the third minute of the Eastern Conference Finals and the Dynamo, after an unexpected toppling over New York, seemed poised for another blazing playoff run into the Cup Final. <span>Dom Dwyer</span>, however, was quick to snuff that run out. Playing into Houston's defensive miscues, his 2-1 winner sent the Dynamo home after another deep playoff run to retool for the new year.</p>
<p>And when the two teams met again in Houston on June 6th, the Dynamo (without key World Cup players) were gifted a man-advantage in the 21' when a red card was shown to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a>. All for naught, it would be proven, as SKC put together a gutsy performance good enough for a 2-0 shutout on the road.</p>
<p>As Houston travels for its second consecutive road game in as many weeks, they do so aiming for a win. A 3-0 loss at the hands of an organized, pressuring Columbus has placed the Dynamo in an even tougher position to climb into the playoff chase in the East. Conversely, Kansas City comes off posting an equal defeat at home to Eastern frontrunners, DC United. It was Sporting's ninth consecutive match without a clean sheet and their largest home loss of the year. Both teams come limping into this match with a chip on their shoulder and, that it falls within MLS' branded Rivalry Week, helps to amp up the intensity.</p>
<p>The Dynamo are hovering their hands over the panic button, sitting 9th place in the East on 25 points. SKC, although posting an embarrassing home loss, still sits comfortably in second with 42 points (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.wakingthered.com/">Toronto FC</a>, in third, have 33). Since the early June matchup, the two teams have become inverses of each other. Houston have gone 2-4-2 while SKC has posted a convincing 5-2-2 record.</p>
<p>Last weekend proved a difficult one for Kansas City, however. In its first match with a repeated lineup this season, their defensive flaws proved fatal as DC United were able to carve a 3-0 lead in a seven-minute period during the first half. Shell-shocked Sporting were unable to recover and found themselves chasing the rest of the game.</p>
<p>Heading into this Friday's matchup, there is sure to be the inevitable lineup change from head coach Peter Vermes. Sal Zizzo, forward for SKC, exited the match versus DC United with an apparent groin injury and looks questionable against Houston. Sporting goalkeeper <span>Jon Kempin</span> will likely make his fifth start of the season after first-string <span>Eric Kronberg</span> and second-string <span>Andy Gruenebaum</span> have both suffered injuries this year. Although he may be low on the depth chart, the Homegrown keeper has proven himself in goal and shouldn't be viewed as a weak link in the Kansas City defense.</p>
<p>With recent news that forward <span>Jacob Peterson</span> will remain out for an additional couple weeks with injury, Dom Dwyer will be needed to improve his performances. Dwyer has logged an impressive 16 goals on the year, but only mustered a single shot against DC United last Saturday.</p>
<p>Aside from last weekend's misstep, Kansas City have excelled through their defense. While Aurelien Collin loves to bring physicality to matches versus the Dynamo, <span>Seth Sinovic</span> has proven a capable leftback that could disrupt the flow of <span>Kofi Sarkodie</span> and Boniek Garcia throughout the night. <span>Lawrence Olum</span> and <span>Benny Feilhaber</span> have been assertive in the midfield despite Benny experiencing a night of poor distribution against DC United. Ricardo Clark and <span>Luis Garrido</span> will need to wrestle the control of midfield away from this duo in order to see progress moving forward.</p>
<p>Sporting also displayed wasted chances throughout last weekend, which might be forgiving for the Dynamo's suspect defense as of late. In that match, Kansas City also employed several failed offside traps which proved costly by the punishing DC attack. These opportunities may not show as much as they did against United, so Houston will likely have to manufacture its own path to the goal through deep wingback play and <span>Brad Davis</span>.</p>
<p>This will be one of the few remaining matches against an Eastern Conference opponent not directly vying for a position against us. Despite the history between the two teams, it is becoming critical that the Houston we see at BBVA shows up on the road and brings home a result. Without a road point the rest of the season, playoffs may be little more than a midsummer's dream this year.</p>
<p>Houston faces Sporting Kansas City in Sporting Park on Friday, August 29th at 7:00PM. The match can be seen nationally on NBC Sports Network.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2014/8/28/6077141/match-preview-dynamo-enter-the-blue-hellJustin Jerkins