Dynamo vs. Union match breakdown / U.S. take on Turkey today

Few newspapers around the country ever actually do a game preview or give you insight in what maybe to look for, generally we are resigned to a feature on a player or something on the perimeter of the game, yes it is called fluff. Don’t you the fan want the game broken down?

So here you go, a breakdown of today’s Dynamo vs. Philadelphia game at Robertson:

Philadelphia Union:
The Union are an expansion team currently with a record of 1-5-1, with their last game against FC Dallas a 1-1 draw at home. It was an uplifting draw as draft choice Danny Mwanga scored a late equalizer that brought down the house. An emotional tie for sure in front of a packed crowd. They are now on the road for three games including tonight vs. the Dynamo and are rested.
Before you get in the mode of this is an expansion team and should be a game handled easily, well don’t.
Against FC Dallas the Union played under Peter Nowak in a 4-4-2 .
Goalkeeper Chris Seitz out of Maryland has been shaky to say the least and at Robertson the Dynamo will test his decision making off his line, by getting delivery into the box forcing him to make choices. He has made one glaring mistake in every game and is up and down confidence wise.
Their two outside backs Cristian Arrieta and Jordan Harvey try to get forward but might find that a bit more challenging at Robertson Stadium with limited space and pressure from Dynamo wide midfield players who are good at pinning outside backs in their own half.
Danny Califf who said he did not want to come to Houston by the way when the Dynamo had first shot at him returning from Europe, will start at center-back. A real competitor who might lack mobility. His partner in the middle is Michael Orozco who played over 70 times for San Luis in Mexico and is from California.
Their midfield will look to get balance from Stefani Miglioranzi while Fred will operate out wide put tends to stay central quite a bit. Roger Torres from Colombia also brings some skill and unpredictability to this midfield which also includes Kyle Nakazawa from UCLA.
Up front is interesting with the mobile and relentless Sebastien LeToux who was acquired from Seattle, he got in behind the Dallas defense early in their past game. He is their leading scorer with four goals but the Dynamo must concentrate against this player who can mentally wear people down with his movement and effort. He is a threat behind the Dynamo back four and becomes even more dangerous because he is partnered with former Dynamo Alejandro Moreno who if Philly can play into, can hold things up, earn free kicks and some potential combination play around the box.

CHARACTER TRAITS: Tough in the mold of manager Peter Nowak, busy and will not quit. Looked good at home vs FC Dallas. Will try to get outside backs into the attack especially with Fred in midfield coming central. First trip to Robertson environment will be “eye opener”. They will need a good night of goalkeeping from Seitz.

HOUSTON DYNAMO
Health is a wonderful thing and only Adrian Serioux (personal leave of abscence) and Geoff Cameron (knee injury) are missing so manager Dominic Kinnear has the luxury of competition in his squad for places not only in the starting linup but on the bench. How quickly it has all changed from infirmary to guys wondering if they can make the bench. Training this week for that reason has been competitive.
Brad Davis missed a few days for personal reasons and one wonders if this effects his performanc. I would doubt it.
Brian Ching will likely start this one on the bench after huge World Cup disappointment and one wonders where he is mentally? How can this not crush any player to be so close to going to the World Cup (see prior blogs on Brian Ching)? Still, he will feel the love tonight from Dynamo fans and if he enters the match, expect a great out-pouring of support and in true Ching fashion, maybe something special.
The Dynamo should trot out the same lineup as against DC in their 2-0 win last Saturday except for one change. Pat Onstad will return in goal for Tally Hall one would imagine after playing against Argentina in a sparring match for Maradona’s men. The degree of difficulty of opponent goes up a notch based on DC and so should the Dynamo performance. The Dynamo took their foot off the peddle against DC after a 10th minute goal from Cruz and were lucky not to be scored on as DC got in delivery from wide areas particularly down the Dynamo left side.

Back four : Richard Mulrooney, Bobby Boswell, Eddie Robinson, Mike Chabala ( Robinson inclusion as we noticed last weekend brings out the best in Boswell and others)

Midfield: Lovel Palmer, Danny Cruz, Brian Mullan, Brad Davis (Cruz scored and brought some great enthusiasm to the team the last weekend, Mullan moved to the left, Palmer stepped up his game as though he wants to own the holding midfield position, Mullans leads by example while Davis can change the game with a play or an idea)

Forwards: Dominic Oduro, Luis Landin (The duo linked up well against DC . Landin is growing in MLS and had two assists while Oduro still needs 4 chances to score one but hit an amazing goal which won the goal of the week. His finishing can be spotty but he works his tail off and his movement is unsettling for opponents.)

THOUGHTS ON TONIGHT: Clearly this is a game the Dynamo should win and finally get the elusive back to back wins. Anything less is a disappointment.
The Dynamo will continue to look to avoid giving opponents self inflicted chances. Can the Dynamo come out like they did against DC and set the tone and establish the game on their terms? An early goal can go a long way to creating self doubt in the expansion team.
Can Danny Cruz tag his solid performance against DC United with another one in midfield? The Dynamo will have to take the edge off the trio of Seba LeToux, Alejandro Moreno and Brazilian Fred the Union’s main danger men. LeToux relentess effort can be dulled with a night of good concentration against him from an entire team.
The Dynamo do not have the luxury of taking the night off against Philadelphia but looking at their lineup this is a game they are expected to win, but to do that will take a strong start and 90 minute effort.
Cory Ashe could be an effective sub off the bench which will also include Brian Ching.

MATCHUPS: Brian Mullan vs Cristian Arrieta and Danny Cruz vs Jordan Harvey…can Dynamo outside backs keep Philly defenders at home?
Dominic Oduro vs. Danny Califf- Oduro pace can be troubling.
Dynamo center backs vs Sebastian LeToux- a night of concentration needed against this player to prevent chances.
Dynamo midfield vs Fred- his movement can be troubling which means awareness for an entire midfield.

The U.S. play their final game on U.S. soil against Turkey at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia today 12:30 on Espn 2.
We begin to see the World Cup lineup I would presume from manager Bob Bradley.

Tuesday live Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis at BAKER STREET PUB in the WOODLANDS 7-9pm Tuesday night, meet Dynamo star Geoff Cameron who will co-host show and sign autographs, raffles for jerseys, tickets and more. Watch the World Cup at CHRISTIANS TAILGATE IN MIDTOWN, BAKER STREET IN THE WOODLANDS and NIKO NIKOS GREEK AND AMERICAN CAFE IN MONTROSE this summer. Live event also coming up at Niko Nikos on June 7th. See you as we celebrate the World Cup and don’t forget to wear your favorite national team jersey for whomever you support. Soccer fans wanted !!!!!!

Twitter: Soccermattersgd