Dynamo vs. Seattle tonite at Robertson Stadium, here is your break-down……..

This should be the most intriguing match-match of the weekend in MLS. Seattle has been the toast of the town but all of a sudden after a 1-0 loss to NE are looking at 5 of their last 8 games on the road in MLS where they are only 2-4-4. Home in front of 32,000 is a bit different then where the Sounders will find themselves tonite.

ROBERTSON STADIUM: The challenge here for opposing teams is to find the adaptability to play on a smaller surface, in high humidity and where the ball gets into penalty areas in
the blink of an eye. Seattle has a good wide game that can feature Steve Zakuahani, Brad Evans and Freddy Ljunberg who if he starts will have a free role
essentially I would imagine playing off of Nate Jacqua the former Dynamo as a striker. Adapting to the conditions will be key for Seattle while the Dynamo
are 7-1-3 at home . That in itself could be motivation for the Sounders.
No excuses here but the smaller field can dull the wide game of Seattle.

IN AND OUT: Focus on a few players that will or will not be available. For Seattle Freddy Ljunberg has made the trip after dis-orientation and memory loss apparently due
to low blood sugar. Fredy Montero who has 10 goals and is a threat also off the pass is suspended . The big story in Houston and around the league is the Dynamo
signing LUIS LANDIN from Cruz Azul, fans will expect him to be the next messiah while Landin says he wants to be “one of the guys”. It will only matter if he adapts
in a few games and scores and creates chances. The timing of this signing is spectacular for Houston manager Dominic Kinnear.
The Dynamo will be missing Andrew Hainault who is there signing of the YEAR so far. How valuable has this guy been with Eddie Robinson on the shelf wondering
about his career and now Richard Mulrooney down for the season.

STRIKERS: Seattle will count on former Dynamo Nate Jacqua who struggled around the area with chances presented to him on Thursday. Can the former Dynamo
come back to haunt his former club. The attention he draws with his big body could provide that moment and space for a busy Freddy Ljunberg provided
he is fit. LeToux could play up front also…..Brian Ching has been exhausted as of late with all his international duty but still scored the Dynamo game winner on Wednesday and is a sure bet
to start. Does Kinnear start Kamara who has complained of injury or Luis Landin? I would bet on Kamara but who knows.
Landin’s inclusion in the squad is a warning sign for striker to produce and could bring out the best in others….Would not be surprised to see a great performance tonite
from either Ching or Kamara.

MIDFIELD INTACT- The Dynamo first team midfield should be back intact tonite with Brad Davis , Ricardo Clark, Stuart Holden, and Brian Mullan. They will face a real battle with
Cuban impact players Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, Pete Vagenas and Steve Zakuahanni one would assume. This will be a battle royale and will determine much
the match. Who establishes control here? If the Dynamo control this area Seattle will find it hard to get their outside backs Steve Riley and Leo Gonzalez (great signing by the way from Costa Rica) into the attack. Seba Letoux could get a run here with his work ethic fitting into this game in which case Vagenas could start on the bench.

BACKS…Does Tyrone Marshall come back into the middle for Seattle in place of Ianni? Marshall and Ching have had a history. Solid back line with Gonzalez, Hurtado, Marshall or Ianni and Riley. Brad Davis who comes in central will be problematic for Seattle….conversely it could leave some space in front of Wade Barrett if the Sounders win the ball and hit that area quickly to Riley , Evans ……..
Dynamo will have to adjust without Andrew Hainault tonite so how will Kinnear align his squad……Boswell and Cameron seem set at center back ….Cochrane, Waibel, Barrett and Chabala fighting for the outside back spots although Cochrane can play in the middle. Dynamo have played best defensively with Cameron and Boswell central.

GOALKEEPING: Love this, mano y mano between former national team goalkeepers who both are of the cerebral type. Kasey Keller is a U.S. goalkeeping legend while Pat Onstad has been fantastic with 9 shutouts. The two best goalkeepers in the league in my opinion with all due respect to Donovan Ricketts in LA . Both will have to make plays tonite on the short Robertson Stadium field. Looking forward to this.

Depth: Both teams are amongst the best if not the best in the league with depth. Seattle can go to Sanna Nyassi who brings speed and pace…..LeToux could be in this role of the bench and can change a game. Cory Ashe goes back to being a super sub most likely where he is more effective for the Dynamo in stirring up a game. Luis Landin I would think most likely will get a run off the bench tonite…Danny Cruz brings mentality and Dominic Oduro incredible speed ……

Coaches: Two of the best in MLS history on display tonite with 4 MLS Cups between them…….passionate, fiery coaches who know the meaning of tonite. This duel between coaches could be won with a subtle tactical move……

What are your thoughts on tonite’s Dynamo vs. Seattle game?

FIESTA is a proud sponsor of DYNAMO ALL ACCESS WITH GLENN DAVIS tomorrow night at 7pm on 790 The Sports Animal……..