Dynamo must re-claim midfield today/ Dynamo v. Revs preview

It might be cliche but many say that games are won and lost in midfield.

Today the Dynamo who are desperate for three points and a win must control that vital middle third of the field.
It is expected the “Orange” and manager Dominic Kinnear will move back into the familiarity and clarity of the 4-4-2 set up.
With teams that are struggling reverting back to the basics can reap rewards and can be the recipe for turning things around.

Grit and determination should return to the central midfield spot with Adam Moffat and Ricardo Clark.
Rewind to last year and remember Moffat’s “edge” was vital to the Dynamo run to the MLS Cup final. He could have the perfect partner in Clark whose physical range could compliment.
The key here is how they pass the ball from this position. Moffat has struggled with injury challenge.

The Dynamo will look to get their outside backs into the attack with Cory Ashe on the left and either Kofi Sarkodie or Andre Hainault on the right. If it is Sarkodie it would be his 4th straight start.

Up front one would expect Will Bruin either paired with Brian Ching or Calen Carr. It was Carr last year that reminded us that a threat behind defenses is essential and can make opponents defend deeper creating more space for a midfield.

I would not be surprised to see Will Bruin have a strong game in this set-up after struggling as a lone striker in the 4-3-3 for much of the time.
Of course he will need to benefit from good wide play which has to come from Brad Davis, Boniek Garcia and outside backs joining in.

NEW ENGLAND
The Revolution have and injury crisis and will be missing their best midfield attacking option in Lee Nguyen who had shoulder surgery this week. Out also is French striker Saer Sene who scored twice against the Dynamo at Gillette Stadium back on May 19th in a 2-2 draw.
Flo Lechner and Chris Tierney are also out for a team playing for pride and an opportunity to make a final impression on first year coach Jay Heaps a former player.
The Revolution will look to start former FC Dallas midfielder Juan Toya and Benny Feilhaber who has been out of favor. These two can create and likely will be motivated.
Seventeen year old Diego Fagundez could get the start and get blooded in this match gaining more experience.

The Dynamo are 9-0-5 and remain the only undefeated team at home but what is important now is points, winning games to keep pace in the East.
The fact is the Dynamo can not move up a postion in the Eastern Conference but with a win can secure fifth place for the moment with the Columbus Crew breathing down their neck at home against Philadelphia.

STORYLINE: Hondurans might take center stage today as Boniek Garcia and Jerry Bengston who both played in the 2010 World Cup will line up against each other.
Bengston scored the historic goal at this summer’s London Olympics for Honduras when they defeated Spain and eliminated them from the tournament.

For the Dynamo today will be a day to be strong mentally and physically as they try to re-claim their game at the right time of the year in MLS!!

The game has been deemed a sell-out and weather might play a factor but make no mistake the pressure is percolating to produce as we are down to the final four games. No better night or opponent for the Dynamo to “find” their game again!
Butts in seats!~

LOCAL 2 Sports
Join Eddie Robinson, Randy McIlvoy and I for the call on Local 2 NBC Sports which includes a pre-game show beginning at 7pm.
Post game radio call in show tonight as well on Sports Talk 790 with call in number 713-212-5790 so we have you covered both pre and post game.
Thoughts on tonight?

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

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