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……..

Looking for something to do tonite? Head over to Meyer Park in the Klein area and catch Southern Methodist University against Denver to get an idea of what the top level of college soccer looks like on the mens side. Not a bad idea to bring your son or daughter to catch the action. The game kicks off at 7:30 pm and I am definetly heading over to take in the game.
Still hard to believe that SMU along with our own HBU are the only two mens NCAA division 1 programs in the state of Texas. Hope to see you there!

SOCCER MATTERS WITH GLENN DAVIS RE-AIRS TONITE AT 10 PM ……..ON FOX SPORTS HOUSTON!!!!

Of course the place to be tomorrow night will be Robertson Stadium when the Seattle Sounders come to town, it now sounds as though former Arsenal start Freddy Ljunberg will be in Houston with Seattle. Seattle will need Ljumberg without the services of Fredy Montero who is suspended.
Luis Landin will be available but one would think not in a starting role…..To those who have been emailing, Landin is a designated player based on his salary (I’m guessing between 150 K to 200 K) plus the amount paid to Cruz Azul for the loan which puts the deal over the 400k mark. Yes, it is complicated but more importantly I am looking forward to his play on the field and if he can be an impact off it. Sure brings a new dimension to selling the Dynamo experience at Robertson Stadium.
I will break down the Dynamo /Seattle match on the website in the near future………Get out to Robertson!!!

Notable matches:

Cruz Azul vs. Club America: This one is today is interesting because Cruz Azul goes in to this in good form as well as Club America. Cruz Azul are winless in 14 games against their rivals but are optimistic with new manager Enrique Meza. America is looking to win 3 in a row for the first time in 3 years…….

Tigres vs Monterrey: The “Monterrey” derby…..Monterrey has not won as the road team in the last 13 years …Tigres historically have won 33 times to Monterrey’s 29

Marathon vs. Olimpia: The national derby in Honduras features brothers Jerry and Jonny Palacios facing each other. Jonny (Marathon) is the leagues leading scorer while his brother Jerry (Olimpia) is a top defender. Brotherly love? I don’t think so. Olimpia may get back their captain and leading goal scorer Wilmer Velasquez who has been out two months with a knee injury.

MLS NOTE:

Juan Carlos Osorio has resigned in New York with assistant Richie Williams now taking over…..The Red Bulls had only won twice in 22 league matches. Williams is on an interim basis…..

FIESTA TICKETMASTER FOR MEXICO VS COLOMBIA IN SEPTEMBER!

TWITTER: Soccermattersgd

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis airs tomorrow on Fox Sports Houston at 9am
Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear weighs in on new Mexican signing Luis Landin…..Eddie Robinson on his future as a Dynamo, top ten goals, viewer mail plus a breakdown of the U.S. /Mexico game and much more…….Check it out!!!!

Luis Landin is available tomorrow for the Houston Dynamo as his paperwork has gone through…The Dynamo also could enjoy have their top midfield line intact with Brad Davis, Ricardo Clark , Stuart Holden and Brian Mullan. Seattle is without Freddie Montero(suspended) and Freddie Ljunberg remains a question mark after disorientation.
Nate Jacqua and Patrick Ianni return to Robertson as Sounders….This should be interesting and hugely important 3 points for the Dynamo as they pursue their first supporters shield while the Sounders just lost three points at home to NE 1-0 and have more road games in their future.

College soccer is off and running tomorrow and I am headed to watch SMU take on Denver at Meyer Park in the Klein area tomorrow night at 7:30pm…

Everybody including writers love things that are lists……here are my power rankings :

1. Houston Dynamo- Kinnear gets his man, Luis Landin signing from Cruz Azul primes Dynamo for a run at a third MLS Cup in four years.

2. LA Galaxy- The most influential player in the league, Landon Donovan puts this team in the upper echelon. Bruce Arena needs to send Bayern a thank you gift.

3. Columbus Crew- Last year’s MLS Cup winners have gotten the ship on course after a slow start. Robert Warzycha has to be applauded. Guillermo, Guillermo , Guillermo!

4. Chicago Fire- A locker room fight between Denis Hamlett and Bakary Soumare says it’s intense. Difference makers include C Blanco, Chris Rolfe and Patrick Nyarko.

5. Seattle Sounders FC- Lots of momentum at home but can they do it on the road? Could they fizzle out? Future of Ljunberg? A good overall squad that needs to finish season strong.

6. Chivas USA- Like Sacha Kleijstan they have lost their edge. Rumors of Preki moving on after the season. Can Jesus Padilla make an impact?

7. Toronto FC- Dwayne DeRosario having a good season but inconsistent.

8. Colorado Rapids- Stunning blow losing Colin Clark yet I wonder if anyone carries in the Rocky Mountain region other than the hardcore.

9. DC United- Huge struggles at the back at the moment as evidenced in Concacaf can DC turn things around in support of playmakers like Christian Gomez, Jaime Moreno?
3-5-2 has struggled mightily at times

10. NE- Don’t count out Nicol and Mariner squad who pulled off huge win last night at Seattle. Games in hand says they will make a run .

11. Real Salt Lake- Trouble at RSL who need to go on a run now like others. Robbie Findley will need to convert chances.

12. Kansas City- Was coaching change timely removing Curt Onalfo. How does this squad respond to Peter Vermes. Name players like Arnaud, Conrad, Lopez and Wolff must rise.

13. FC Dallas- Hoops hope is gone….Highlight of the year will be a home win over rivals the Houston Dynamo. Consistency has lacked in all areas.

14. San Jose- tough times on and off the field in San Jose……Alvarez , Huckerby have struggled with injury . Never made up for the loss of Francisco Lima…

15. New York- It has never happened in New York and Red Bull has struggled both on and off the field. Blow this thing up and start from scratch. Everything that is except the stadium. What must Juan Pablo Angel be thinking.

Seattle Sounders FC were downed 1-0 last night by NE in front of 34,000 fans on a Thursday night.
Shalrie Joseph provided the game winning goal in a game that featured a missed penalty kick by Fredy Montero who according to the Seattle times was not the designated taker of the pk. Montero claimed that his teammates wanted him to take the spot kick was smashed off the crossbar.

NE players clearly got in his head prior to the penalty as a number of them including Jeff Larentowicz had words with Montero. After the missed pk Montero was ineffectual and was yellow carded and now suspended for Sunday night’s game against the Dynamo.

Sunday night at Robertson is going to be interesting where Seattle will have to deal with MLS’s top team, humidity plus the smaller confines……Two former Dynamo players, Patrick Ianni and Nate Jacqua both played last night. Jacqua was not particularly sharp and Ianni missed a good opportunity in the air. What are your pre-match thoughts on Seattle coming to Robertson on Sunday night. If new signing Luis Landin gets his paperwork together we could see him debut in this game.

MANCHESTER UNITED WITHOUT RONALDO

Life after Cristiano Ronaldo continues for Manchester United who were beat two days ago by Burnley. Yes, I said Burnley who has returned to the top flight of English football after a 33 year abscence (a great story in itself). More injury woes have hit United who are without top goalkeeper Edwin van Der Sar. It now seems center-back Rio Ferdinand will be out with a muscle problem for 3-4 weeks. Some interesting results to start the premier league season………Will United rebound or have United not compensated for the loss of Ronaldo with a big enough signing?

LUIS LANDIN MEET AND GREET
Meet the newest Dynamo at Lucky’s Pub tonite in downtown Houston…….

FIESTA SMART SOCCER TIPS WITH GLENN DAVIS available at SOCCER 4 ALL, SOCCER TIME IN PASADENA…………

SOCCER MATTERS WITH GLENN DAVIS tomorrow morning at 9AM on Fox Sports Houston………Kinnear speaks on Landin, Robinson on injury, game analysis, top ten goals, viewer mail and more…….

Mexican striker Luis Landin will be introduced as a Dynamo player at 2pm today at Robertson Stadium. Landin comes from Cruz Azul in Mexico and is a talented target type striker that is capable of creating on his own. On two fronts this is exciting……one because of the quality of the player and two because it could mobilize the mind-set of Mexican league fans to come out in larger force to attend Dynamo games?
Landin will also create more competition up front for playing time and players like Kei Kamara, Dominic Oduro will now more than ever have to step up their level of play.
Will Landin’s signing change the minds of fans who have been hesitant to test out the Dynamo and the MLS brand of soccer?

According to the Cruz Azul website www.cruz-azul.com.mx/index striker Luis Landin is in Houston taking medical tests for a possible move to MLS and the Dynamo.
The Dynamo had once made a move for Landin but he ended up going from Pachuca to Cruz Azul. Ironically, Enrique Meza who was the head coach at Pachuca is now the manager at Cruz Azul taking over for Benjamin Galindo and may not see Landin fitting in with his plans. Meza coached Landin over the course of 2006-2007 at Pachuca.

When Meza was first appointed Landin seemed happy to see his former manager back.
“It has always been said that me and him did not end on good terms. That never happened, we never clashed , we always spoke face to face. He is a person tha likes to confront his players. I left in good terms with him and it give me joy that he comes to coach a team like Cruz Azul,” said Landin in an article posted back at Goal.com in June.

Could Meza want him out at Cruz Azul? Was this just about playing time for Landin at the Tuzos? Different managers have different thoughts and ideas on the game then their players. This also could be posturing from an agent, club and a player? No one is for sure but we do know that from talking to GM Chris Canetti and Dominic Kinnear that they had real interest in Landin much like Omar Bravo.
If Landin wants out from Cruz Azul it could make the possibility of acquiring him greater. For the time being it will be interesting to see this play but one thing is for sure the Dynamo have always been in the market for a player that fit in with the squad as well as satisfying their fan base.
This could be the most significant signing in the history of the Dynamo from the standpoint of potential both on and off the field if it happens. Landin could put more fans in the seats and fill a very important role up front for the Dynamo whose top striker Brian Ching is being stretched to the limits physically with national team and Dynamo duty.

Will this bring out more fans of the Mexican league if it happens?

Let me up front just put this out….MLS teams are handicapped in trying to win the Concacaf Champions League in a variety of ways.
It is not an excuse, it is a reality. Yet I do believe as much as we hear the priority is the MLS Cup (and it needs to be) this is a league that MLS needs to win.
I thought last year was a wonderful opportunity missed by MLS when an average Atlante of Mexico won the title.
USL teams outdoing MLS teams is just plain bad publicity no matter how you validate their success……..The players association and MLS negotiations could impact the future success of MLS teams in this competition.
So last night Columbus did MLS proud by disposing of the Puerto Rico Islanders which was then followed by DC United at Marathon in Honduras who were downed 3-1 . Former Dynamo Julius James was in the lineup at the back for United who have real concerns. DC defender Greg Janicki struggled mightily and completely missed a routine clear leading to the first goal. United must think that they can get the best out of the athletic James who to be fair struggled with the Dynamo.

DYNAMO VS. ISIDRO METAPAN tonite….I would not expect a big crowd for this international competition tonite as this team is not one of the Salvadorean squads that people support in the vein of FAS, FIRPO, ALIANZA etc. The first division in El Salvador sadly is corrupt, less than professional and suffering major hard times. Saying that , you can bet that the players of METAPAN will put an effort into playing tonite in the hopes of being discovered. Metapan lost Sunday 3-0 to FAS at home in El Salvador.
On would imagine Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear putting together a mixed squad tonite with an eye on Sunday against Seattle…….Yesterday’s Dynamo training was spirited with players like Cam Weaver, Eddie Robinson still doing their re-hab off to the side. Robinson seems to be more optimistic these days about his knee.

Does MLS need to win this competition in your mind more regularly?

Catch Kun Aguero and Atletico Madrid today at 4pm on an FSC re-air against Panathinaikos…….Did Celtic play it too conservative under Tony Mowbray their manager at home? I believe so in a 2-0 loss to Arsenal yesterday in the Champions League……

Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis Saturday morning at 9am on Fox Sports Houston……..Get Fox Sports Houston on AT&T UVERSE and COMCAST……Catch top ten goals, Dynamo talk and interviews plus a game analysis of Mexico and the United States, find out what makes Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear tick!

Twitter: Soccermattersgd for updates…..

Thanks to these sponsors: Zukoswki, Bresenhan and Sinex the law firm, FIESTA, STERLING BANK………

Chelsea has been in the hunt for the talented Sergio Aguero of Atletico Madrid.
The “blues” have had their eye on the Argentine international and reports out of England on Tuesday indicate that Chelsea have 24 hours to increase their offer to 50 million pounds.
The current offer sits at 42 million pounds.
According to Athletico manager Abel Resino, Aguero has traveled with the team to play their Champions League match against Panathinaikos and that no sale is imminent. Atletico claim they have not received and offer.
Things may be coming to a head because if Aguero plays Wednesday for Atletico in the Champions League he would not be eligible to play in that competition for Chelsea.
So what do you think of Chelsea chasing Aguero? Should he become a blue?

Meanwhile Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United has been targeted by Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola and the defender would welcome a move to Barcelona.
Hey who wouldn’t? Vidic’s agent has been doing all his talking as of late.

Don’t forget CELTIC against ARSENAL today from Celtic Park on Fox Soccer Channel at 4pm cst

*Just in, the Dynamo Academy squad defeated Real Madrid 3-2 on their youth tour. What an amazing opportunity for these youth players to experience this travel and competition.

YOUR THOUGHTS:
Let me have them, whether it is Celtic vs. Arsenal comments, Columbus vs Puerto Rico, DC vs. Marathon in Champions League play I want to hear from you.
Maybe it is the EPL matches today between Sunderland and Chelsea or Wigan vs. Wolverhampton……Let me hear from you.

Fanaticos,
We talk the futbol! So does your head coach. Fans can call in tonite with questions for Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear.
Other guests include Stuart Holden on the Dynamo and U.S. Mexico plus high flying winger Steve Zakuahani of Seattle Sounders FC…..
U.S./ Mexico, Dynamo, MLS and the opening of the EPL…What did you take from the U.S. loss at Azteca and the Dynamo draw at Salt Lake?
Guests to be confirmed later today so check in.
Call in number 713-212-5790, streaming live at mlsnet.com

FIESTA, STERLING BANK, Mark West Pinot Noir, and Zukowski, Bresenhan and Sinex…thank you for your support!!!

The Dynamo drew 0-0 at RSL last night in a game that featured ejections for both sides as Dynamo Andrew Hainault and Clint Mathis were ejected.
The Dynamo were outshot and did not have a shot on goal but welcomed Ryan Cochrane to the squad again plus the return of Brian Mullan.
The Dynamo still remain at the top of the Western Conference on 39 pts and begin Champions League play this Wednesday against Isidro Metapan of El Salvador.
Next Sunday they return to take on the Seattle Sounders who defeated LA on the road last night 2-0 behind goals from Fredy Montero and Steve Zakuahani.
Did you see the game and what are your thoughts on the Dynamo road point at Rio Tinto?

YOUR TV CHOICES TODAY INCLUDE:

10am EPL Tottenham vs. Liverpool FSC
noon UNAM vs. Tigres Telemundo
noon Puebla vs. Atlante Azteca
2pm Morelia vs. Indios
2pm Chicago vs. KC (new coach Peter Vermes for KC)
4pm Club America vs. Atlas Univision
4pm Santos vs. Cruz Azul Telefutura

What games will you watch?