Tonight the Dynamo (Fox Sports Houston 7:30p) will look to build off their 4-0 win over DC United against the number one team in the Eastern Conference in Sporting KC managed by Peter Vermes.
Sporting KC is finishing off a three game road trip that took them to Philadelphia and Columbus where they won recently 2-0.
DYNAMO
The Dynamo looked very dangerous against DC United scoring four goals with additional space while playing a man up.
It is still not time to anoint the team a goal scoring machine yet they carry real confidence into this game and possibility.
Possibility comes through elements that include a change in system, increased team speed, and a squad that is healthy with players competing for playing time.
It will be intriguing to see if they can take the attacking game to the number one defensive team in the league.
DP BONIEK
No question this has been a wonderful signing from the Dynamo. The Honduran is excellent with the ball, brings quickness over a few yards and defense stretching pace and is a two way player. Still the reason he was brought here was to create and he has done just that.
His desire to beat people off the dribble was a needed element for the Dynamo.
The mark of a good signing is if they can make those around them better.
He clearly does and is playing the game with passion and with a smile on his face.
Who needs Linsanity when we have the “Big O”.
KANDJI AND CARR
The question going forward is can these two players make plays? Both did drawing penalties in the last game. Calen Carr is going to be a wonderful option off the bench against opponents battling fatigue.
They along with Boniek Garcia give the Dynamo the feel of having a threat to get behind defenses.
Kandji unquestionably has played his best soccer in the new 4-3-3 set up starting from a wide position.
Purely by making the signing of Boniek Garcia the team became more dangerous and explosive.
CARRY THE HUNGER TO ATTACK OVER INTO TONIGHT”S GAME
Can the Dynamo carry over the attacking mentality they had against DC responsibly. It was impressive to see them after the ejection of Bill Hamid of DC never take the foot off the pedal to attack yet we must remember this was against a team with ten men.
It likely will be more measured tonight but the onus is on the Dynamo to attack at home.
A BETTER START
Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear likely will remind his team about getting off to a good start. Against DC it was shaky and United wide man Chris Pontius got behind the Dynamo on the same side of the field three times and could easily have scored first.
The penalty changed the game completely and the Dynamo never wavered after that.
WHO PLAYS CENTRAL MIDFIELD
With Geoff Cameron’s deal looking to be sealed to Stoke and Adam Moffat still struggling with a groin problem the real issue now lies in who plays in central midfield with Brad Davis and Luiz Camargo?
The likely candidate is JeVaughan Watson but either way the passing and initiating of attacks from this area has to be good and it will be hard to match the performance and distribution skills of Geoff Cameron.
Watson certainly has the engine but can he give a night of good distribution and responsible positional play.
On an additional note, Eintracht Frankfurt has released former Dynamo Ricardo Clark. Hmmmm.
SPORTING KC
They have power, speed, strength in the 4-3-3 with former Dynamo Kei Kamara, CJ Sapong, and Teal Bunbury that will be a challenge. Jacob Peterson could also start up front with Bunbury in reserve.
Chance Myers will look to get forward out of the back while Graham Zusi is their passing machine and was rested against Columbus in their 2-0 win.
Aurelien Collin is an aggressive central defender while Jimmy Neilson, “the White Puma” is dependable and a leader in goal.
Kamara is highly motivated against his former team as mentioned on my radio show last night and will make outside in runs to get in box.
Sporting will be without Roger Espinoza in midfield who is with the Honduran Olympic team and Paulo Nagamura looks a good bet to get the start.
Against Columbus they sat back which is a rarity and counter attacked based on the short turn around of games and the Dynamo looming I imagine.
The 4-3-3 can be altered very easily by sitting the two wide strikers deeper to create a five set in midfield . This is what the Dynamo did at Sporting KC.
EXCITING TIMES
This should be a night of excitement at BBVA Compass Stadium for Dynamo fans.
Lots at stake point wise in the Eastern Conference and a new look Dynamo trying to remain undefeated at home!
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Glenn: My thinking after the last game is that the Orange are a dangerous goal scoring threat with a central midfielder (aka Cameron) that can make long passes on the wings. Cameron showed what the Orange are capable of doing with Kandji & Carr’s speed on the wings. It brings a new dimension to the Orange attack and makes the game more enjoyable to watch. With Cameron leaving, he will have to be replaced with a similar type player. Who? Moffat, Watson, unless they can demonstrate they can do this (so far, not), I don’t see it happening with our players. I am pretty sure DK and the FO know this and are scouring the market for a similar type player. At least I hope so.
This is a critical position for initiating the attack out of a 4-3-3 and is a key piece.
I read recently that Ricardo Clark has parted ways with his current club. Is there any chance or rumors of him returning to MLS and preferrably to the Dynamo? Also, even though Cameron is now cleared to speak to Stoke about a possible contract, would he still be eligible to play tonight against Kansas City? (which would be preferred) Lastly, Oscar Garcia has been a tremendous success so far and a great signing, what options up front at the Dynamo camp looking to purchase when/if they get the proceeds from the Cameron transaction?