SuperLiga semifinal a can’t-miss for fans

Rivalries are built through time and encounter.

These matches bring the best and worst out of players and can be emotional cauldrons.

If you are a lucky athlete, your competitive career might include a few. For the Dynamo, their first international rivalry was born on March 15, 2007. The rival, Pachuca, one of the most successful Mexican club teams in recent times.

On that evening Pachuca and their manager, Enrique Meza, underestimated their opponent. Pachuca passed the ball with confidence in the first half, making the Dynamo chase the game yet never took advantage of possession . At times the Tuzos even seemed arrogant that the goal would come easily.

What they didn’t know was that the Dynamo’s strength of character would not allow them to fold.

Tonight will be different.

Pachuca now has a healthy respect for the Dynamo and the soccer that is being played in MLS. The teams’ rivalry includes epic games played in both Mexico and at Robertson Stadium.

The level of respect the two teams have for each other coupled with nationalistic pride make tonight’s SuperLiga semifinal a “can’t miss” for sports fans. Finality will also be an issue, for one of the teams who will be eliminated from Superliga.

So how can the Dynamo pull off a historic result?

Lots of variables play into tonight’s match but here are a few to consider if the Dynamo are step closer to winning their first international tournament.

• Keep the ball — Having the ball solves alot of problems. Intelligent passing , movement and use of the ball is a must.

• Control midfield — The Dynamo need to control the vital middle of the field and not allow their opponent to find a passing rhythm. The play of Ricardo Clark along with the rest of the Dynamo midfield has to be balanced and poised to destruct Pachuca’s lifeline of play.

The Tuzos are loaded in midfield with stars like Gabriel Caballero, Damian Alvarez and Christian “Chaco” Gimenez. The trio have played well over 700 games producing boat-loads of goals. Their savvy and cunning rank with the best of them and with their….for more on this story go to Chron.com