Dynamo v. DC United preview/ Beckham responds!

This trek down to BBVA Compass Stadium sure does not get old.

I don’t know about you but I still pinch myself while driving up to this stadium to remind if it is only a dream or reality?

Dynamo and soccer fans will have three home games in the span of eight days beginning tonight with the match against DC United and former Dynamo players Dwayne DeRosario, Danny Cruz and assistant coach Pat Onstad at home.

With 9 points available all against Eastern Conference opponents the Dynamo can make a real run here at picking off the New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire who currently sit in the 4th and 3rd playoff spots in front of them.

DC UNITED
They are the second highest goal scoring team in MLS and are coming in to BBVA Compass Stadium 2nd in the Eastern Conference and well rested. Midfielder Chris Pontius has been in great form and likely will be added to the MLS All Star game this afternoon.

Their starting lineup could look something like this:

Bill Hamid-gk
Daniel Woolard -left back
Dejan Jakovic-cb
Brandon McDonald-cb
Robbie Russell-right back
Perry Kitchen-holding mid
Chris Pontius-left mid
Branko Boskovic-cm
Danny Cruz-right mid in place of Andy Najar away with Honduras Olympic team
Dwayne DeRosario-withdrawn forward
Maicon Santos -for

This is interesting because in a 4-4-2 DC United might afford Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear the opportunity to move back into his preferred 4-4-2. The last team the Dynamo were in this starting point tactically they struggled conceding four goals on the road at Montreal after giving up three at home to Toronto FC.
Conversely Kinnear could remain in the 4-3-3 set up at home which has helped them re-establish themselves in midfield.
DC manager Ben Olsen must be wondering how the Dynamo will start out.

DWAYNE DEROSARIO
The league’s reigning MVP loves to live up to the big game and today is one.
Picked for the All Star game he could align tonight in a deeper role between his midfield and behind Maicon Santos.
DeRosario in the “hole” spells danger and affords him a “free” role. His movement will have to be tracked and if he is allowed to turn in this area he could hurt the Dynamo with his passing ability. He currently leads MLS with ten assists.

DYNAMO HEALTH
The Dynamo roster is strong health-wise now and Jamaican international JeVaughan Watson and Calen Carr are available for selection bringing Kinnear choices.

GEOFF CAMERON
Geoff Cameron also is cleared to play still amidst the negotiation with Stoke which some have deemed dead while others believe is still on-going. Personally, I do not think this is dead and believe still will get done. Stoke has been in this deal for the long term. If Cameron not listed as available tonight it could mean a deal has been struck.
It must come to a head soon.
The question is where is he focus wise?

TIME FOR GOALS
The Dynamo are hoping to improve upon creating chances and producing goals.
New found defensive solidarity will hopefully be paired with more danger in attack.
Can they get Hondurand DP Boniek Garcia isolated more in wide positions to take advantage of his ability to beat people off the dribble.
It might simply start there.

LATE KICK OFF
Many have asked me about the 8pm start time which is for Spanish Language tv Galavision.

BECKHAM RESPONDS
David Beckham recently was in the news for heading over to Wimbledon after being suspended and treated favorably by MLS when it came to suspension for kicking a ball at a referee only receiving a one game suspension.
We may all want it to be different but last night Beckham produced a vintage performance at Portland.
Maybe Stuart Pearce should have included him?
The league has benefitted by him playing in the United States.

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc