THE BIG REASON: This is important from the stand-point off gathering more points as the Dynamo head to Sporting KC (now that is a juicy return match), then on to Columbus, and Montreal or “Monreal” for you Frenchies. The Dynamo won’t be home until June 22nd again.
Get those home points in.

DYNAMO: The club has improving health as both Giles Barnes and Warren Creavalle are back in the picture.
One would expect the Dynamo to go back to their 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 whatever you want to call it with Barnes as the withdrawn forward behind Will Bruin.
Familiarity has bred success and the change against Sporting KC in formation likely went down to the absence of Barnes in many ways.
Expect the Dynamo to take the initiative against NE and set the tone early as they do at home.
One thing to keep in mind is that NE with Bobby Shuttleworth in goal has one of the top defensive teams in MLS having only conceded 9 goals in 10 games.
Only Seattle is better.
The Dynamo are amongst the top five in goals scored with 17.

THE BIG QUESTION is how Dom Kinnear puts out his midfield tonight?
Does it include Andrew Driver, Brad Davis and Boniek Garcia or does it play with both Ricardo Clark and Adam Moffat in midfield to be a bit more defensive?
Clark and Driver for me were the best players for the Dynamo against Sporting KC not matter what you say in the twittersphere

RECLAIMING the midfield passing rhythm that lacked against Sporting KC and that means finding space and getting the ball of your feet quickly. Remember Sporting KC broke Dynamo rhythm with fouling and that must be overcome today.
The Dynamo will find space today I believe as their midfield will be tough to contain.
New England will play with a five man midfield and a lone striker to try to marginalize the Dynamo in this area.

NE REVOLUTION DRY IN SCORING GOALS
Conversely this team is struggling to score goals.
They recently acquired Juan Agudelo whose MLS club tour continues.
How can this be good for a young 20 year old player to be on his third team and now on artificial surface?
Could he play tonight? Reports say yes but I am going to say that he will come off the bench.
The Revs likely will have a lone striker and my gut tells me manager Jay Heaps will bring back as a starter Jerry Bengston.
You remember him right?
He scored the goal to beat Spain in the London Olympics for Honduras and also produced the game winner against the US in World Cup qualifying off a pass from Dynamo Boniek Garcia.
If Bengston does not start it could by Dimitry Imbongo a long rangy 23 year old from the Congo who comes from lower divisions in Germany at 1860.

REVS PLAYMAKERS
The Revs will try to get their outside back Chris Tierney to join in plus have passers of the ball in Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe.
Andy Dorman is back on this club after playing in Scotland and is still looking to produce his best.
Saer Sene whom you remember had a huge night scoring twice against the Dynamo in Foxborough last year is slowly making his way back after ACL surgery and is likely to show off the bench .

KEEP AN EYE ON FOR THE REVS
Jose Goncalves who hails from Portugal and is the team captain.
Solid center back who played with Andrew Driver at Hearts and in Germany with Nuremburg.

How about an 18 year old who just happens to lead the team in goals? Diego Fagundez has two and plays with little fear at 18, he is busy , energetic and solid on the ball. A great story.

1.) DYNAMO CROWD
Dynamo expecting larger crowd this weekend for NE than Sporting KC.
Now this is interesting because clearly the game with the better story-lines and
with Eastern Conference implications was Sporting KC, not to mention that little
36 game unbeaten streak. I suppose the Saturday night start time is the difference
here or we really don’t care who the opponent is? You tell me.
Tickets and packages at HoustonDynamo.com

2.) TALLY HALL AND BRAD DAVIS CALLED UP TO US NATIONAL TEAM
Hall is a European sized gk whose maturity and game continues to stretch forward.
After being called in to the last camp and told to work on his “feet” by Jurgen Klinsmann hall has been solid for the Dynamo, dependable. So why wouldn’t he be called in
again.
Comparing him to the youthful nature of Bill Hamid and Sean Johnson you see stability and maturity.
While Hamid and Johnson have big upside, so does Hall. Central defenders want to know what is going on behind them. Goalkeepers make them better.
As for Brad Davis all you can say is that he has re-crafted his career at a later stage and is a real story. The fact that Klinsmann used him to help manage out a game in the final 20 minutes at Azteca Stadium against Mexico tells you something.

3.) CALLING ALL NIGERIANS
Yeah I know, the Mexican National team is in town and it will feel like Mexico City on May 31 at Reliant Stadium.
Already 40,000 tickets have been sold according to Jamey Rootes of Lonestar but what I want to see is a turn out from the strong Nigeria soccer community, show me those Nigerian flags. After all this is the African Champions and coming to town are Chelsea’s Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel both whom just won the Europa League.
Super Eagles anyone? Get your tickets at Fiesta ticketmaster locations!

4.) JONH SPENCER INTERVIEW at ESPN975.com
That is where you get the podcasts of SOCCER MATTERS and DYNAMO ALL ACCESS
Here Spencer talk about the choice of drinking or playing football as a kid
in Glasgow, Scotland, why it is going to be tough for David Moyes and Manchester
United and how the caliber of MLS foreign and American talent was better in his
day in MLS. Expansion anyone?
The Brad Davis interview last night included the fact that he felt that Sporting KC
might have just celebrated a bit too much after their 1-0 win at BBVA Compass.

5.) CR7 V. EL TIGRE IN COPA DEL REY TODAY
Catch the Kings Cup today on ESPN at 1pm central between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. This is worth a watch as is the Liguilla playoffs which have been exciting to say
the least!

6.) DYNAMO V NE ON KPRC CHANNEL 2
Pre-game and post game as we bring you coverage of DYNAMO AND NE.

7.) DYNAMO WEEKLY TODAY
Catch the half hour show today at 4:30 pm on CSN HOUSTON.

8.) KICK CANCER SOCCER CAMPS DEC 13, 14 needs campers in all locations as we as a soccer community come together as one to fight pedatric cancer and raise funds for research.
ALL PROCEEDS go to CURING CHILDRENS CANCER FUND cccfund.org
Contact me if you want to be a part of this ever important yearly event that continues to grow! Join the team!

Today we are kicking off a new segment here on glenndavissoccer.com where we will feature our top 5 games to watch every weekend this summer.

It may seem rather pointless to be starting this feature now, as most European leagues are coming to a close but hey, we would still love to immerse you in some other leagues you may not pay much attention to (i.e. MLS, Brasileirão, etc.). Plus, we will keep you updated on all the international fixtures and tournaments in store for this summer (CONCACAF Gold Cup, World Cup Qualifiers, FIFA Confederations Cup, oh joy!). With the 2014 FIFA World Cup right around the corner, this summer of soccer is expected to be sizzling. So let’s kick this season off.

Since there are so many games this weekend, to kick off this feature, I present to you: Soccer Matter’s Starting 11 lineup.

Starting 11:

Games to Watch:

1. Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid
Friday, May 17th at 2:25 pm CST on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, & WatchESPN

Ladies and gentlemen, this year’s Copa del Rey final promises to be quality entertainment. Why? First off, it features El Derbi Madrileño in the 110th Spanish Cup final in Madrid. Second, this seems to be Real Madrid’s theatrical manager Jose Mourinho’s last chance to snag some silverware before he makes his dramatic exit from a rather lackluster (at least, in The Special One’s case) spell at the fabled club.

Currently, Real Madrid sits in second place in La Liga, 9 points ahead of the third placed Atléti, and Real have beaten Atlético twice this season in head-to-head action. Though Real boasts superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Co., the Madridistas are still gonna have their hands full with Atléti, especially with Colombian goal-scoring fiend Radamel Falcao leading the front line. Both teams have experience from being in big-time finals (i.e. Atlético hammering Athletic Bilbao last year 3-0 in the UEFA Europa League finals and Real sticking it to their other rivals Barcelona in the 2011 Copa del Rey final) so both the players and the managers have the winning mentality to claim this final, it all comes down to who wants it more on the day.

P.S. If Real Madrid does win, let’s hope they treat the cup with a little more respect this time than they did in 2011…you got it Sergio Ramos?

Source: Sky News (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXxSuzRpTps)

2. Club América vs. C. F. Monterrey
Saturday, May 18th at 5:00 pm CST on Univision Deportes

On Saturday in Liga MX action, Club América will host CONCACAF Champions League winners Monterrey in the second leg of the semifinals of Clausura Liguilla. The first leg of this tie proved to be extremely action-packed and entertaining, living up to the expectations. While América may stand 9 points ahead of Monterrey in the league standings, los Rayados have demonstrated that it is any man’s game in Liguilla.

In the first leg, scoring was opened when Monterrey’s Humberto Suazo nailed a signature, big-game free-kick golazo in the 29th minute. América did not falter, and las Águilas’ big-game player, Cristian “Chucho” Benitez, showed that he came to play as well, knocking in a brace to put América ahead. However, their lead wasn’t to last. After América came close to making it 3-1 through Raúl Jiménez, los Rayados rallied and got right back into the game after Aldo De Nigris scored following a defensive blunder on América’s part. The game ended 2-2, a just scoreline representing the evenness of this matchup.

It is clear that América is missing a vital part of their back line with the injury to the young Mexican international Diego Reyes and whether or not that will continue to be a factor for América in the return leg at Estadio Azteca remains to be seen. All in all, this is definitely not a game to miss.

3. Chelsea FC vs. Everton
Sunday, May 19th at 10:00 am CST on Fox Soccer Plus

And so we’ve reached the end of yet another thrilling Barclays Premier League season. It all ends Sunday, May 19th and while some may be watching the relegation battle at the bottom of the table, we will be more focused on all the action taking place for the last two UEFA Champions League spots. The three London rival clubs that are duking it out in third, fourth, and fifth place are Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur.

The first and probably the most mouth-watering match up of the day is that of third placed Chelsea and sixth placed Everton. The Toffees are sure to give the Blues a battle, especially since manager David Moyes will be wanting to exit Everton with a bang before he packs up and heads to Manchester United. When the two teams met in late December, old faithful Frank Lampard’s brace rescued the Blues from surrendering three point after Steven Pienaar put Everton ahead in the 2nd minute.

Now Chelsea are coming off a thrilling UEFA Europa League Championship win versus Benfica on Wednesday so they are certainly fired up to end their premier league season by booking a ticket to next season’s UEFA Champions League.

4. Newcastle United vs. Arsenal FC
Sunday, May 19th at 10:00 am CST on Fox Sports

After putting on a spectacular show in the second half against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday, Arsenal propelled themselves into fourth place, two points behind Chelsea. Now the Gunners must take on Newcastle United. All the momentum is with Arsenal on Sunday. Behind Lukas Podolski’s brace and Santi Cazorla’s hat-trick of assists, the Gunner’s attack looks in fine form and manager Arsene Wenger has appeared to have finally found some stability in the center back pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.

With a 2-1 win against QPR last Sunday, Newcastle have secured a spot in the premier league next season, and manager Alan Pardew joked after the game that he would be happy even if his side loses 4-0 to Arsenal. Well, you and Arsene Wenger both, then Mr. Pardew.

This game promises to be exciting, as the only other meeting between these two sides this season produced a 10-goal thriller, in which Theo Walcott went ham, scoring a hat-trick, grabbing 2 assists, and spent the whole game flying around the field causing all sorts of trouble for the Magpies defense.

5. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sunderland
Sunday, May 19th at 10:00 am CST on Fox Soccer Channel

In what is most likely to be the “easiest” matchup of these three games, Tottenham takes on Sunderland, who will just miss the drop to the Championship after a draw with Southampton last Sunday.

For Spurs fans, instead of the usual ode to Gareth Bale they had been used to singing all season with the Welshman’s phenomenal form, on Sunday everyone saluted the American, Clint Dempsey, for a great performance. In the 20th minute, Dempsey scored a goal-of-the-season worthy stunner to cancel out Steven Nzonzi’s opener and later set up Emmanuel Adebayor’s game-winning goal in the 83rd minute.

However, this game against Sunderland will be no picnic. Tottenham have so much riding on this result and will not underestimate Sunderland. In the previous matchup this season, Tottenham won 2-1 in a hard fought match at the Stadium of Light with an own goal from Sunderland’s Carlos Jimenez Cuellar serving as the spark to get Tottenham off to the races.

6. SC Freiburg vs. Schalke 04
Saturday, May 18th at 8:30 am CST on firstrowsports.eu

On the final day of Bundesliga action we have been presented with a juicy matchup between fourth placed Schalke 04 and fifth placed SC Freiburg both fighting for UEFA Champions League qualification. Separated by a mere point, both teams match up well technically, but it was Freiburg pulled off the 3-1 win over Schalke in December.

7. Sampdoria vs. Juventus
Saturday, May 18th at 1:45 pm CST on firstrowsports.eu

Usually, a match between league-leading Juventus and fifteenth placed Sampdoria would warrant little attention. However, the last time these two clubs met at Juventus, it was the underdogs Sampdoria that came out on top, 2-1, thanks to two second half strikes from 20-year-old Argentine wonder kid Mauro Icardi.

A product of FC Barcelona’s fabled La Masia, Icardi was immediately snapped up by Internazionale after his performance against Juventus. Let’s see if he and Sampdoria can produce yet another majestical upset.

8. OGC Nice vs. Olympique Lyon
Saturday, May 18th at 2:00 pm CST on firstrowsports.eu

While this is no battle for survival, this match up between third placed Lyon and fifth placed Nice will definitely be entertaining. Both clubs are fighting for the last UEFA Champions League spot alongside Lille, with Lyon leading the other two clubs by a minute 3 point margin. Each club has two more games at hand and with Paris Saint-Germain clinching the Ligue 1 title for the first time in 19 years, the eyes of the French now rest upon the battle just below PSG.

9. West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester United
Sunday, May 19th at 10:00 am CST on Fox Sports

Obviously, Manchester United has already collected yet another Barclays Premier League title, but as this is Sir Alex Ferguson’s last game as United’s manager, this is a must-watch match. Farewell Fergie!

10. New York Red Bulls vs. Los Angeles Galaxy
Sunday, May 19th at 12:00 pm CST on ESPN2

Last but certainly not least, we must get some MLS action in this weekend. While the Red Bulls come out of the gates flying this season, LA are looking to regain the balance they have been lacking since winning the MLS Cup last season. No matter the current standings, these all-star lineups will undoubtedly be looking to produce in this scintillating match up.

11. Houston Dynamo vs. New England Revolution
Saturday, May 18th at 7:30 pm CST on KPRC

The Dynamo are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to rivals Sporting Kansas City which snapped Houston’s 36-game home winning streak, on the one-year anniversary of the opening of BBVA Compass Stadium. Meanwhile, New England is still just hoping for their first win in the month of May.

Coverage of this match starts with the Dynamo Pregame Show at 7:00 pm CST, featuring Glenn Davis and Eddie Robinson on the call so be sure to tune in if you can’t make it to the game.

Written by Cari Gelal
@CariGelal

I know the popularity of the Champions League is hard to trump these days but to win this trophy will be another large step for Chelsea and will potentially shine a different light on the often maligned interim manager Rafa Benitez .

I find it comical when some fans downplay the significance of this tournament and the difficulty to navigate over the course of a long season.

The match is live from the Amsterdam, Arena at 1:00 central time on Fox Soccer Channel.

DYNAMO NOTES

Yesterday the Dynamo defeated the Chicago Fire in a reserve match that saw the club field three academy players including a 16 year old striker.

The good news ahead of the NE match is that withdrawn forward Giles Barnes and midfielder/defender Warren Creavalle both trained.

The Dynamo are expecting one of their better crowds as they go back to a Saturday night start which will air on Local 2 KPRC.

AGONY AND EXCTASY OF WIGAN

After winning the FA Cup in dramatic fashion on Saturday the mood was amazing with Wigan yet only three days laster after getting beaten by Arsenal yesterday they have been relegated to the Championship.
Wigan now could lose manager Roberto Martinez who likely will get other opportunity from Premiership clubs.
For the fans of Wigan you hope he will say to try and re-gain promotion.

XOLOS
Tijuana pulled off a huge win at Palmeiras to advance in the Copa Libertadores.
Check out the amazing goal from Fernando Arce. Jurgen Klinsman US National team manager was in attendance and will pick his squad on Thursday.

KICK CANCER ADDS SITES AND HOSTS!

A huge thank you to REGALS SC and MAYA PARK for becoming a part of KICK CANCER DEC. 13, 14.
Thank you Miguel Landaverde and Marcos Pedraza!
ALso a huge thank you to The Houston Aces Womens professional soccer team that will host at Delmar Stadium! Thank you Ted Brumbaugh!

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

Combative center back Aurelien Collin glanced in a header in the 73rd minute to provide the difference. The match more significantly pitted two rivals in the Eastern Conference. The match will only lead to building the rivalry more and you can be the next time these teams meet it will be even more passionate.

SYSTEM CHANGE FOR KINNEAR AND DYNAMO
The Dynamo played out of a 4-3-3 to start the match due to the hamstring problems of Giles Barnes. It was the first time this year the Dynamo played without Barnes in a starting role and it left Will Bruin in the role of a lone striker on many occasions throughout the evening.

DEVOID OF CHANCES
The game was more about sheer willpower than soccer as both teams were on their 3rd game in 8 days although the Dynamo played on the road on two coasts. The game for large portions lacked build up play and was quite direct. The intensity brought a playoff feel.
Clear chances were devoid and most chances were generated off second balls.
A Jason Johnson header bounced off the surface was cleared off the line by Paulo Nagamura near the end of the game.

GAME WINNER COLLIN
Aurelien Collin scored the game winning goal in the 73rd minute off a throw in out of a maze of defenders. His header glanced in behind Tally Hall. After making contact with Bobby Boswell Collin got the vital touch.
The goal was typical of the type that might be scored on a night where tackles and fouls reigned.

FOULS USED TO BREAK RHYTHM
Sporting KC committed 25 fouls many to break the Dynamo passing rhythm that struggled to get going. The best moment may have been at the end of the half when Ricardo Clark got to the endline and delivered right in to the hands of gk Jimmy Neilson.
Will Bruin seemed to be un-marked at the penalty area. It was a rare moment when the Dynamo got to the end-line.

PASSING RHYTHM DENIED
Both teams broke the passing rhythm of their opponent with solid pressure. One might have thought that fatigue might have led to more time on the ball at some point and better possession. It never happened.
The Dynamo brought on Brian Ching and Jason Johnson while taking off Kofi Sarkodie and Adam Moffat and drove numerous balls into the penalty area in a chaotic, frantic finish that nearly produced the equalizer as the fans pushed the Dynamo on.

IN THE BIG PICTURE
Six points in three games was positive for the Dynamo especially since they only conceded one goal while winning at LA and DC.

RESPONSE GAME
That is what the NE Revolution will be walking into on Saturday when they take the Dynamo on at BBVA Compass Stadium.

SOCCER MATTERS on ESPN 97-5 tomorrow night at 7pm

Lots of international, Dynamo football talk along with an in-studio visit from former Portland manager and Dynamo assistant John Spencer.
More guests to come!

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc, Facebook: Soccer Matters

Fatigue, injury, mentality and real coaching choices based on the prior will test both manager Dominic Kinnear of Houston and Peter Vermes of Sporting KC. Make no mistake, Sporting KC want to be the team that breaks this 36 game home unbeaten streak of the Dynamo and would love to exact a measure of revenge and begin to turn history around against the Orange.
The Dynamo eliminated Sporting from the playoffs the last two years and truly these teams are rivals.
Simply put, no one needs to be motivated today.

“Someone has to be the first and I’d love to be the first,” said Sporting manager Peter Vermes to the KC Star. “Right now it’s about performing, it’s about playing well, it’s about getting results and continuing to get better as a team.”

DYNAMO COULD CAP an amazing week with a full 9 points in 3 games that could be defining after a lackluster match at home the last time against Colorado.

THE REAL POINT OF CONTENTION is the health of Giles Barnes and Ricardo Clark. Barnes has started every game and poses a unique challenge match-up wise and positionally to opponents in the withdrawn forward role.
His movement, skill and power from a deeper position behind Will Bruin has been troubling for opponents. Barnes came off with a hamstring injury and likely could miss out.
If he does the Dynamo will have to play different with Brian Ching or Cam Weaver likely to partner Bruin.
Clark likely could return which would be a boost for a squad that has had players log alot of minutes in a short amount of time.
Sporting KC is going to miss central defender and MLS defender of Year Matt Besler likely.
Ike Opara out of Wake Forest will continue in his place.

WILL FATIGUE LEAD TO MORE SPACE AND TIME AND POTENTIALLY MORE GOALS?
Generally these have been tight affairs with two teams in low scoring games.
Both teams like to take the initiative .
My guess is that Sporting will look a lot like a 4-5-1 at times with a lone striker in either CJ Sapong or Claudio Bieler.
With 3 games in 8 days for both teams players just might get that little bit more time on the ball, that extra yard. If they do, beware! Both teams are stocked with players that can make the telling pass or come up with that creative idea.
Graham Zusi, Benny Feilhaber, Oriol Rosell for Sporting KC and Brad Davis, Boniek Garcia, and Andrew Driver are all skillmasters!

SPORTING KC 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 when working for Sporting is the best in the league but it is also system where opponents can catch them in transition when pushing numbers forward. Space could be available out wide for the Dynamo when SKC pushes forward and we all know what Andrew Driver , Brad Davis and Boniek Garcia can do with space!
The Dynamo first pass to break pressure when they win the ball must be good because it can lead to good things.
Matching up with the three central midfield players will be a challenge for the Dynamo at times.
Could the Dynamo go to a five man midfield in the absence of Barnes? It is possible.

KEI KAMARA
The former Dynamo could return and one wonders if he is thrust into the starting lineup today?

SIR ALEX FERGUSON in an emotional farewell in a few minutes at Old Trafford as Ferguson will manage his final game at home for Manchester United.

MONTERREY and AMERICA have advanced to the semi-finals of the Liguilla while Cruz Azul takes on Morelia and Atlas plays Santos today.

WIGAN did the impossible defeating Manchester City to win the FA CUP!!!

FACEBOOK: SOCCER MATTERS, Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

Withdrawn forward Giles Barnes who has 4 goals has an injured hamstring.
Brian Ching would likely replace him but focus will be on Cam Weaver (back struggles), Jason Johnson as well.
The striker position will become much different without Barnes whose mobility, movement and element of surprise has been a headache for MLS teams.

How will players hold up in their third consecutive game? Will Ricardo Clark be available for the Dynamo? These are some of the questions.

On another note, Sporting KC likely will not have MLS defender of the year Matt Besler meaning Ike Opara should continue to partner Aurelien Collin.

ARTIFICIAL SURFACE

Seattle, Portland and NE still play on the stuff in MLS and it brings out lots of emotion and passion but I am not a fan of the stuff nor are the majority of players in MLS over-whelmingly whom I have spoken to. In fact only one player has ever said he likes it.

The surface clearly does not do much for the longevity of one’s career and you can bet your bottom dollar that many players avoid making a move to clubs that play on it.
Also, I know for fact that players have opted out or mysteriously become injured when it comes time to play a road game on the fake stuff and who can blame them?

Thierry Henry will likely be absent from the NE game this weekend and that is a shame for the fans of the Revs. Not to mention ticket sales of a former French World Cup winner and Arsenal star.

Clearly artificial surface will play a future in the United States especially in urban areas where field space is limited and I can see it’s use there but for MLS I can’t argue with Henry who at 35 wants to extend his career, not end it.

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

Josh Gardner grew up in the Bear Creek Area, played for the Hurricanes Youth Soccer Club (now Albion-Hurricanes) before playing at the University of Cincinnati. Gardner left college early and signed Nike project 40 with the LA Galaxy. His career has taken him to Seattle, Carolina Railhawks, Columbus, Montreal and he comes to town now as a member of Sporting Kansas City after starting and playing 75 minutes against Seattle in a 1-0 loss on Wednesday.

How do you like playing for Sporting KC?

The first part is the city of Kansas City loves their soccer team. I think that Sporting KC they do a good job of being in the community and making the fans feel a part of the game and the team. Every game is a celebration, a party from the opening kickoff to the end of the game.

What is it like playing for manager Peter Vermes?

Playing for Peter is amazing. I respect his knowledge of the game and his drive to compete. He has put together a coaching staff that believes in the players and the system they have.
Training is intense. He has brought in guys that are hungry and have won before.
He sees potential in every player and brings that drive out of players that might not think they have it. He makes you feel wanted and that you have a-lot more to give.

What is your role on Sporting KC?

My role when called upon is to be ready to be a left back or left winger, to help secure the left side of the field.
We have such a deep team that I need to be game ready when called upon. I will push those in front of me to be a starter. I am here to do what ever the team needs.

What are your thoughts on your Argentine striker Claudio Bieler?

He worked extremely hard in pre-season getting what we call is “Sporting” fit.
He gets in great positions and is an accurate finisher. He is comfortable back to goal and being a link player with his midfield or wingers.
He is a character and his English is not great but he still finds ways to communicate and be willing to communicate in our locker room culture.

You grew up playing youth and high school soccer in Houston, what crosses your mind when thinking about your upbringing in the game?

Being able to turn pro out of Houston was prideful as many went on to higher levels before me.
I can go back and remember my youth games and it reminds me of a fun time and educational time in my career.
I still think about the club (Hurricanes Soccer Club) that I grew up with and those times.
As a youth we played different teams with differing styles due to the diversity of Houston. Their is a sense of pride with Houston soccer history.

What type of game do you think it will be Sunday?

Knowing the history between the teams I look forward to a highly competitive game between clubs that look to win every game either home or away.
It is a conference match and we want to put our stamp on the game.

Facebook: Soccer Matters, Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

DYNAMO ANSWER BELL AND DC DOESN’T IN FIRST HALF
DC United came out in the first 45 minutes in front of less than 1000 fans (truth)
Will Bruin and Giles Barnes both scored in the first half with the Barnes goal a huge mistake from DC on a poor piece of distribution from Bill Hamid after a pass back.
Bruin now has 9 goals lifetime in 9 games against DC.

DC UNITED GET BOOST FROM SARAGOSA
Marcelo Saragosa brought some pride and life back to United in the second half and they nearly scored after a crazy sequence that saw Kofi Sarkodie make two saves on the goal line. A goal would have made it 2-1 at that point.
The Dynamo would then strike off a set piece to make it 3-0 with Bruin getting his second which was a cruel blow. United has struggled defending set pieces.

DRIVER GETS ONE BUT SHINES IN DIFFERENT ROLE
Andrew Driver would get the fourth Dynamo goal off a Bruin pass but his diligent work and effort out wide helped control the wide areas in front of Cory Ashe.
His work off the ball from a defensive standpoint was excellent.

THE TAKEAWAY
The full three points plus one has to give the Dynamo credit for getting it done and doing what they were expected to do. There early energy and approach to first half was solid from the opening whistle.

The Dynamo will now have time to prepare for their home match against Sporting KC on Sunday which is a can’t miss game this year on the Dynamo schedule against their real rival.

What or who stood out in this game for you?

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc, Facebook: Soccer Matters

Dynamo:

It is going to be interesting to see how Dominic Kinnear sets up his team tonight and how he shares playing time based on the fact that the Dynamo are in game 2 of 3 games in 8 days.
This game is more about the Dynamo as a team as opposed to the opposition.
The Dynamo used 12 players in their 1-0 win over LA with only Brian Ching coming on for 6 minutes used as a sub.
The Dynamo play this one tonight with an eye on Sporting KC at home on Sunday.
Brad Davis one assumes will jump right back in the lineup and relieve someone in midfield who needs a break due to fatigue.
Do Luis Camargo, Jason Johnson, Eric Brunner or others get some minutes tonight?

DC United
To say this team is one gigantic struggle right now is an understatement.
They have scored only 4 goals and stars and highest paid players Dwayne DeRosario and Chris Pontius have yet to score.
They are a league worst 1-6-1 and have been shutout 5 times while losing their last five in a row.
Attendance has dwindled at RFK Stadium and one has to believe the lack of getting a stadium deal is hanging over this franchise like a dark, nebulous cloud.
This club now is trying to prove if this team last year was a novelty and set the bar unrealistically high?
Now all of the above are real reasons to realize this team tonight could be a dangerous animal that has been backed into the corner one too many times. DC United can’t be looked past tonight and the return of Chris Pontius could be a boost.
Dwayne DeRosario will bet motivated to try and bring this team back to life and get them some points against the team he led to an MLS Cup in RFK Stadium in 2007.
DC United manager Ben Olsen must motivate and find a way to induce a positive performance against a team that they have been 1-8-2 against in their last 12.

Dynamo Keys:

GET GAMES FIRST GOAL: Score the first goal against United and it could be a major psychological blow that they may not recover from.

SET PIECES: The Dynamo can take advantage of an area that DC is poor. Defending set pieces has been nightmarish for United.

BUILD OFF LA ROAD WIN: Timely moments of possession, emotionally and mentally connected play all can lead to a good night but others will have to contribute.

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