Dynamo Theory - Match Day 25: Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers
You may all go to hell and I will support the Dynamo.
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2015-08-24T11:31:02-05:00
http://www.dynamotheory.com/rss/stream/8947434
2015-08-24T11:31:02-05:00
2015-08-24T11:31:02-05:00
Film Session: Nagbe's goal
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<img alt="Darlington Nagbe (6) scored a magnificent goal to get things started for Portland late in the game." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-Q_ImCxSJRRWnbL8XCo-HWvD6Gw=/0x0:3449x2299/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47014752/usa-today-8760218.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Darlington Nagbe (6) scored a magnificent goal to get things started for Portland late in the game. | Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Friday night's matchup with Portland was one that the Dynamo needed to win in order keep pace in a tight Western Conference playoff race. But they only took a point after blowing a two-goal lead. The first Portland goal is looked at in this edition of Dynamo Film Session.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> needed a win. They could've (should've) gotten it.</p>
<p>A 2-0 lead in the 75th-minute is safe right? In Houston's case, wrong. Two goals by the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a>, each in the final 15 minutes, gave the hosts a point (and a couple pieces of wood).</p>
<p><span>Darlington Nagbe</span> and <span>Lucas Melano</span> scored as Portland climbed safely into the fourth-playoff spot, jointly pushing the Dynamo behind scorching-hot San Jose in the tight race. In this installment of Dynamo Film Session, we take a look at what happened on Nagbe's goal.</p>
<p><b>We start with </b>Nagbe on the ball near the right sideline.</p>
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<p>Nagbe (circled) is surrounded by four Dynamo players. <i>Four. </i>You would think he would pass the ball.</p>
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Well, he didn't. The playmaker speeds by everyone and is now blazing towards the jumble of people at the top of the box.</p>
<p>The Dynamo have nine outfield players playing defense. That's too much. The fact that all they did was sit back and defend was the main reason they blew the lead. They took their foot off the pedal.</p>
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Nagbe takes a long touch. Not to worry, though, because Lucas Melano is there.</p>
<p>After the Argentinean picks up the loose touch, Nagbe makes a run around behind. This needs to be defended by the Dynamo.</p>
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Melano has it in traffic. Surrounded by orange jerseys, he manages to turn around and find Nagbe absolutely wide open.</p>
<p>Not particularly sure what the Dynamo are doing right now. Nobody is in position; everybody is crowded around the ball like a U-6 rec league team.</p>
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<p>The ball finds its way to the Liberian, who slots it home past a rightfully-frustrated <span>Tyler Deric</span>.</p>
<p>It is almost comedic how you can see SEVEN Houston players chase after Nagbe in a group.</p>
<p>Deric should not take any fault for this goal. He did exactly what you're supposed to do as a keeper in that situation: come out and make yourself big, taking away the angle. Yes, it did hit the inside of his foot as it went in, but you have to have <i>extremely </i>good reaction time to redirect it out-of-bounds.</p>
<p>Sure, the defense shouldn't be broken that easily, but you have to give credit where credit is due. Nagbe was sensational here. It was a highlight-reel individual goal that should be up for goal-of-the-week in my opinion.</p>
<p>What do you think? Is the defense to blame, or is Nagbe just too good here?</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/8/24/9194099/houston-dynamo-vs-portland-timbers-dynamo-film-session-darlington-nagbes-goal
Harrison Hamm
2015-08-22T09:30:01-05:00
2015-08-22T09:30:01-05:00
Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers: Highlights
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<figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/8/22/9190697/houston-dynamo-vs-portland-timbers-highlights
Alicia Tolar
2015-08-22T00:48:12-05:00
2015-08-22T00:48:12-05:00
Dynamo draw with Timbers 2-2
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<figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Houston put up a 2-0 lead in the first half of this road match, but Portland was able to score twice late and steal two points away from the Dynamo. </p> <p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Disappointment, disappointment, disappointment. Feels like it's all we <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dynamo</a> fans know recently.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The odds were not stacked in Houston's favor Friday night. This was the second road match in a row for Owen Coyle's men, who had to fly from one coast to another after a disappointing loss in Foxboro last week. That match was made especially difficult for the Dynamo by over four hours of rain delays that prevented the match from ending until after midnight local time. <span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Coyle shook up the lineup a bit, going with a 4-4-2 that put <span>Brad Davis</span> up top with Bruin and featured midseason acquisition <span>Rasheed Olabiyi</span> making his first start in orange.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first half went just about as well as it possibly could for Houston. In the 40th minute, <span>Boniek Garcia</span> drove the ball towards the backline in the box and slid it sidewise past three defenders and the keeper to put the Dynamo up 1-0.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just before halftime, Brad Davis sent a through ball up to the right corner of the box and <span>Will Bruin</span> slipped it past the keeper to his left, very similarly to Garcia's goal. At the half, Houston had a 2-0 lead and everything seemed good to go.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Things began to unravel in the 76th minute. <span>Darlington Nagbe</span> drove the ball towards the box, passed it right to <span>Lucas Melano</span>, who passed it back to a now wide-open Nagbe, who was able to squeeze it between keeper <span>Tyler Deric's</span> legs. The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Timbers</a> dealt the gut-wrenching blow about ten minutes later. <span>Diego Valeri</span> looped a long pass in towards a crowded box and Lucas Melano flicked it far post past the outstretched Deric.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Timbers did go down to ten men in this contest, but it came too late for the Dynamo to have time to capitalize. In the 91st minute, <span>Erick Torres</span> received a long lob and began streaking towards goal, and Diego Valeri earned a straight red for shamelessly elbowing him in the neck just to stop the play. The Timbers fans may have a comeback to celebrate, but there was nothing to celebrate about their character when they cheerily applauded Chara for his dirty foul.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Dynamo will continue their road trip with a Wednesday tilt against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.burgundywave.com/">Colorado Rapids</a> at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, before returning home next Saturday. <span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Scoring</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Houston: </b>Boniek Garcia 40', Will Bruin 45'</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Portland: </b>Darlington Nagbe 76', Lucas Melano 86'</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Disciplinary</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Yellow: </b>Boniek Garcia 32', <span>Luis Garrido</span> 73'</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Red: </b><span>Diego Chara</span> 90+1'</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lineup</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Houston(4-4-2): </b>Tyler Deric, <span>Kofi Sarkodie</span>, <span>David Horst</span>, <span>Raul Rodriguez</span>, <span>Sheanon Williams</span>, Oscar Boniek Garcia, Luis Garrido, Rasheed Olabiyi (<span>Nathan Sturgis</span> 61'), Alex, Brad Davis (<span>Leonel Miranda</span> 89'), Will Bruin (Erick Torres 72')</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Portland(4-5-1): </b>Adam Larsen Kwarasey, <span>Alvas Powell</span>, <span>Nat Borchers</span>, <span>Liam Ridgewell</span>, Jorge Villafana Dairon Asprilla 82'), Diego Chara, <span>Will Johnson</span>, Darlington Nagbe, Diego Valeri, <span>Rodney Wallace</span> (<span>Fanendo Adi</span> 57'), Lucas Melano</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/8/22/9190683/houston-dynamo-vs-portland-timbers-final-score-timbers-come-back-to
Austin Vanderlyn
2015-08-21T21:13:16-05:00
2015-08-21T21:13:16-05:00
Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers: How to watch, lineups and more
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<figcaption>Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Houston take on Portland in a battle for three points. Get all your game info and game action here.</p> <h4>Basics</h4>
<p><a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> vs <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a></p>
<p>10 pm CT, August 21</p>
<p>Providence Park in Portland, Oregon</p>
<h4>How to watch</h4>
<p>UniMas</p>
<p>Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 AM</p>
<p>La Ranchera 850 AM and 101.7 FM</p>
<h4>Injuries</h4>
<p>Dynamo: <br> <br>Out: <span>Jermaine Taylor</span> - R quad tear<br> <br>Doubtful: <span>Ricardo Clark</span> - L hamstring strain<br> <br>Questionable: <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> - L calf strain; <span>Raul Rodriguez</span> - R adductor strain<br> <br>Probable: <span>Giles Barnes</span> - R Achilles tendonitis<br> <br>Timbers:<br> <br>Out: <span>Ben Zemanski</span> - R ACL surgery<br> <br>Questionable: None</p>
<h4>Fan Lineup</h4>
<p>The 4-4-2 has regained a strong lead as the fan favorite formation. <span>Tyler Deric</span> is back with 100% of the vote to be the man defending the net.</p>
<p><span>Will Bruin</span> (FW) 68.4%<br><span>David Horst</span> (CB) 94.7%<br>Raúl Rodríguez (CB/RB/LB) *possibly injured, no word yet on the injury* 68.4%<br><span>Brad Davis</span> (LM/CAM) 94.7%<br>Erick "Cubo" Torres (FW) 68.4%<br><span>Sheanon Williams</span> (LB/CB/RB) 94.7%<br><span>Luis Garrido</span> (DM/CM) 52.6%<br>Giles Barnes (FW/AM) 89.5%<br>DaMarcus Beasley (LB) 89.5%<br>Oscar Boniek Garcia (RM/CM) 68.4%</p>
<h4>Lineup</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/GEICO">@GEICO</a> Starting XI and bench vs <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC">@TimbersFC</a>. Soccer starts at 10pm on <a href="https://twitter.com/UniMas">@UniMas</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvHOU?src=hash">#PORvHOU</a> <a href="http://t.co/27mAUFc6Oh">pic.twitter.com/27mAUFc6Oh</a></p>— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/status/634910892367417344">August 22, 2015</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Timbers XI vs. HOU: Kwarasey, Powell, Borchers, Ridgewell, Villafana, Johnson ©, Chara, Nagbe, Valeri, Wallace, Melano <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash">#RCTID</a></p>— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/634908424904511488">August 22, 2015</a>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/8/21/9183859/houston-dynamo-vs-portland-timbers-how-to-watch-lineups-and-more
Alicia Tolar
2015-08-21T09:30:03-05:00
2015-08-21T09:30:03-05:00
Previewing Houston v. Timbers with Stumptown Footy
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<figcaption>Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We spoke with Will Conwell of Stumptown Footy to talk about Western Conference difficulties and the importance of this match</p> <p></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> fell short of a win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a> in a match that they had control of early, but never capitalized on their chances. Today they're in Portland for a match that they need to see a result from to keep their playoff dream a little closer. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> have been a difficult club to best at home as the Dynamo know as their previous trip to the Rose City resulted in a 2-0 loss to our Houston side.</p>
<p>In our <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/8/20/9180673/dynamo-portland-timbers-2015-matchday-25">preview of the match</a> we discussed some of the personnel returning for Portland, options for the Dynamo, and a few important matches for fans to keep an eye on, but we wanted to know a bit more about a Western Conference side sitting above us in the standings so we spoke with Will Conwell of Stumptown Footy to learn a bit more about what's going on with the Timbers.</p>
<p><b>Dynamo Theory:</b> The Timbers have the hot hand having only lost once in their last 5 matches and are riding a 3 game unbeaten run. What's led to that level of success to help the club remain in the hunt for the top spot in the Western Conference?</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Stumptown Footy: </b>With a few notable exceptions, the Timbers have been rock solid on defense in 2014. Rebuilt from the ground up over the course of the 2014 season, the Timbers' defense has been the strong point of the team since the start of the year.</p>
<p>The center back pairing of <span>Liam Ridgewell</span> and <span>Nat Borchers</span> is one of the more experienced duos in the league, while <span>Jorge Villafana</span> and <span>Alvas Powell</span> are a pair of up-and-comers at fullback. Add that to a young international keeper in <span>Adam Kwarasey</span>, the now-healthy holding midfield duo of <span>Will Johnson</span> and <span>Diego Chara</span>, and a top-down commitment to defense all over the pitch and you get a team that has only allowed seven goals in twelve home games this year.</p>
<p>Of course, the opposite side to this coin is that the Timbers have struggled to get their attack consistently clicking this year, particularly with the absence of <span>Diego Valeri</span> for a good chunk of the season as he recovered from a torn ACL suffered in the final match of the 2014 season. If the Timbers can get both sides of the ball working at the same time, then look out, MLS.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>DT:</b> Portland is not among the top goal scoring teams in the league this year, but it's been <span>Fanendo Adi</span> leading the way with 10 goals this season, good for 7<sup>th</sup> overall in the league. What has made him such an effective striker and will we expect to see him after he missed out against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a>?</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Stumptown Footy: </b>There are several things that have made Fanendo Adi key to the Timbers' attacking fortunes so far in 2015.</p>
<p>Adi is not a particularly great finisher of the ball, he does not tend to beat players on the dribble, and he isn't bending in free kicks. What Adi does excel at is in holding off a defender to get on a ball, or finding space to flick a header on goal, or using his ridiculous strength to make space for himself to get off a shot.</p>
<p>All of that has combined with that special knack for being at the right place at the right time has gotten Adi on the score sheet quite regularly since he joined the Timbers in 2014.</p>
<p>Moreover, the state of the Timbers -- among other things, no Diego Valeri for much of the year and a recovering Diego Valeri for the rest of it -- has demanded that the Timbers adapt a more defensively conservative and offensively direct style of play which involves getting the ball forward to Adi and either springing him on the break or earning a free kick on which he is well suited to get on the end of.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Dynamo Theory:</b> This game clearly holds a lot of significance for the Dynamo in terms of playoff relevance, but how important is this game for the Timbers? Is it about moving up spots in the standings - possibly as high as the number 2 spot in the West? Or is it about keeping up in a very competitive conference?</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Stumptown Footy: </b>"Quite", "Yes", and "Yes", again. The Timbers are looking like a good bet to make the playoffs this year, but Timbers fans are acutely aware that a bad run of form could see a team like the Dynamo pass the Timbers and subject the team to its fourth year out of five as a team outside the playoffs.</p>
<p>Now, the Timbers themselves will tell anyone who asks that getting three points is the plan for every game, but in this one they are not just blowing smoke. If the Timbers are actually a team that can compete for the top spots on the table, then this is exactly the sort of match they need to win: a home game against a team with an abysmal scoring record on the road and a less than impeccable defensive record away from home as well.</p>
<p>The fact that a win could move the Timbers into a tie on points with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a>, who were the talk of the league just a short week ago, and at least maintain Portland's points lead over the formerly high-flying <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a>, will provide the Timbers with a little bit of extra incentive on Friday as well.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Projected Timbers starting lineup: </b>Kwarasey; Villafana, Ridgewell, Borchers, Powell; Johnson, Chara; Wallace, Valeri, Nagbe; Melano</p>
<p>For my answers to Will's questions hit up <a href="http://www.stumptownfooty.com/2015/8/20/9183173/portland-timbers-vs-houston-dynamo-preview-interview">Stumptown Footy</a> to check them out!</p>
<p></p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/8/21/9186101/previewing-the-dynamo-vs-the-portland-timbers-with-stumptown-footy
Gribbs
2015-08-20T18:20:08-05:00
2015-08-20T18:20:08-05:00
Barnes rises above racist encounter in Portland
<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/GilesBarnesReal/status/634466324496801792">Giles Barnes encounters racism while in&nbsp;Portland</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>While in Portland for the Houston Dynamo game on Friday night, forward Giles Barnes encountered racism while on the streets of Portland. In a tweet posted on his personal Twitter account, Barnes wrote about the encounter and his decision to rise above the hateful words and actions that were directed at him because of his skin color.
<br />He follow the above tweet up with a message that the hateful actions of one person do not reflect or represent the entire city of Portland.</p></p></div>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/8/20/9185307/giles-barnes-encounters-racism-while-in-portland
Alicia Tolar
2015-08-20T11:30:01-05:00
2015-08-20T11:30:01-05:00
Pick the Lineup against the Portland Timbers
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Who's in your starting XI? Was last week a fluke? Or do you mix it up?</p> <p></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> fell 2-0 in a lengthy affair to the <a href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Revolution</a> in a match that featured plenty of weather delays and slick artificial turf. While the Dynamo seemed to have control over the 1<sup>st</sup> half of action, they never could take advantage of their opportunities and were easily beaten by the quick pace of the Revs in the 2<sup>nd</sup> half.</p>
<p>This week, the Dynamo are looking up at the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a> in the playoff standings and desperately need points in order to remain in the playoff chase. This is the 2<sup>nd</sup> match of a 3 game road trip and it is easily the most important with Portland being the only team ahead of them in the Western Conference standings of their road trip games.</p>
<p>Against the Revs, the Dynamo utilized a similar lineup that they had in their previous win over the <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Jose Earthquakes</a>, but Owen Coyle elected to put defensive midfielder <span>Nathan Sturgis</span>, who had served his red card suspension against the Quakes, back in to create a more defensive oriented midfield as Sturgis partnered with DM Luis Garrido in central midfield. While the defense largely held up, thanks to a few <span>Tyler Deric</span> heroics, the offense struggled to gain momentum and rarely threatened Revolution goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth. Raúl Rodríguez also missed out on the action as a late scratch to injury and <span>AJ Cochran</span> filled in which affected some of the Dynamo's ability to make creative passes from the back.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://lineupbuilder.com/350x500/?p=11&a=1&t=&c=ff8400&1=GK_Deric__388_174&2=DL_Beasley__317_64&3=DCL_Cochran__327_138&4=DCR_Horst__327_211&5=DR_Williams__317_284&6=ML_Davis__183_64_109-9&7=MCL_Sturgis__222_138&8=MCR_Garrido__222_211&9=MR_Alex%20Lima__186_283_94-347&10=FC_Barnes__114_174&11=FC_Bruin__57_174&c2=ffffff&c3=ffffff&output=embed" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="500" width="350"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Coyle's Starting XI against the New England Revolution</b></p>
<p>The Dynamo will have <span>Alex Lopez</span> and <span>Rob Lovejoy</span> back as options for selection, but <span>Giles Barnes</span>, <span>Will Bruin</span>, and <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> all sat out of training on Tuesday, though the team remains hopeful that they'll be available for selection against the Timbers.</p>
<p>The Dynamo have not been one of the better teams on the road this year, despite quality efforts here and there, but will need to come away with at least a point over Portland to remain competitive for a playoff spot following Seattle's devastating win over <a href="https://www.themaneland.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando City</a> SC. The Dynamo will need to come up with ways to score on the road, which has been a struggle for much of the season. That could mean opting for a more offensively minded midfield - only 1 DM, which could lend opportunities to <span>Leonel Miranda</span> or Alex Lopez to rejoin the starting XI, or could feature a 3 headed attack with Bruin, Barnes, and Erick "Cubo" Torres. Coyle could always play it by ear and defend early and attack late with his use of substitutions as they attempt to frustrate Portland's creative midfield from being a factor early in the match.</p>
<p>How would you line up the Dynamo if you were in charge? Do you go for an attacking style that could finally yield goal production on the road, potentially at the cost of losing the midfield battle? Or do you stick with the familiar XI which has helped the Dynamo produce a 2-1-1 record over their last 4? Let us know how you'd line them up and discuss your picks in the comments below.</p>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/8/20/9181197/pick-the-lineup-against-the-portland-timbers
Gribbs