MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Game Notes: Houston Dynamo at Montreal Impact - Saturday, June 2 - 6:30 p.m. CDT

Published on May 31, 2018 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON - Oftentimes in sports, the best cure for a disappointing result is to get back on the field right away. That's exactly what the Houston Dynamo will have to do after seeing their three-game unbeaten streak end on Wednesday night with a 2-1 loss at Real Salt Lake. The Dynamo fly directly from Utah to Quebec to prepare to face the Montreal Impact on Saturday night, less than 72 hours after the final whistle blew in Salt Lake City.

Houston has been strong against Eastern Conference foes this year, posting a 4-1-1 record thus far and outscoring their opponents from the other conference by a combined 17-8 margin in those six games.

The Dynamo have also vastly improved their road form this season in comparison to previous years, though they continue to work on closing out games on the road. Including Wednesday night's defeat, Houston have either led or been tied for the lead after the 75th minute in all six away games this year; however, they've conceded four goals after the 75th minute on the road this year, which have resulted in three draws and Wednesday's loss.

Defending is a team effort, and that has definitely been the case for the Dynamo this year, partly out of necessity. The team has suffered a rash of injuries along the back line, with players combining to miss 60 games due to injury while two more players have missed time due to suspension. Houston will be shorthanded again on Saturday, with starting center back Adolfo Machado away with Panama preparing for the FIFA World Cup, recent starter Alejandro Fuenmayor serving the second of a two-game suspension and center back Jared Watts dealing with a concussion suffered on Wednesday night. Captain DaMarcus Beasley, veteran center back Leonardo and newcomer Adam Lundkvist are all healthy and available, while right back Andrew Wenger aims to return after missing the last two games.

Up front, the outlook is much sunnier. Houston leads the league with 27 goals scored thanks to a multifaceted attack. Forward Alberth Elis has emerged as one of the league's most potent scoring threats, with eight goals and five assists through 12 games, while fellow Honduran Romell Quioto has six assists and three goals in his last seven games. Mauro Manotas has five goals, while Tomás Martínez has two goals and three assists and Boniek García has four assists already. Facing a Montreal defense on Saturday that has conceded more goals - 29 - than any other team in the league, the Dynamo may look to their attacking corps to take up the slack for a depleted defensive unit as they look for their second road win of the year and their third victory in their last four outings overall.

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