MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Game Notes: Houston Dynamo at San Jose Earthquakes - Saturday, April 14

Published on April 11, 2018 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON - The Houston Dynamo travel to San Jose this weekend looking for several things: a win, of course; a second consecutive road result; the elimination of the small mistakes that have cost them points in their last three outings. As much as anything, though, the Dynamo will be looking simply to regain their playing rhythm.

After opening the year with three consecutive matches, by Saturday Houston will have played just one competitive match in the previous 28 days. They had a bye during the fourth week of the season (March 24) and then picked up an unexpected second break when their April 7 match at New York Red Bulls was rescheduled to August in order to accommodate the Red Bulls' CONCACAF Champions League Semifinal fixtures.

Consequently, the Dynamo will head to San Jose eager to get back into the rhythm of week-in, week-out competition. They spent the impromptu bye week focusing on addressing those small mistakes that cost them in a 2-2 draw at D.C. United on March 17 and a 2-0 home loss to the New England Revolution on March 31, and Saturday will be their first opportunity to transfer their work from the training ground to the pitch.

Led by first-year head coach Mikael Stahre, San Jose have traveled a similar road as the Dynamo. The 'Quakes come in with a matching 1-2-1 mark after picking up a 1-1 draw at Philadelphia last Saturday, and they went through their own stretch of playing just once in 28 days, with only a March 17 match at Sporting Kansas City in between an Opening Day win over Minnesota United and a March 31 loss to New York City FC.

On the pitch, San Jose's attack is keyed as always by their ageless striker Chris Wondolowski. The veteran, now in his 14th MLS season, has 135 career goals and is just 10 shy of Landon Donovan's all-time Major League Soccer record. Wondo has help this season in the form of Georgian midfielder Vako, who joined the club as a Designated Player midway through last season and already has two goals and two assists this year, and Dutch forward Danny Hoesen, who has bagged two goals and assist of his own.

Houston is more than capable of matching San Jose goal-for-goal behind the tandem of Alberth Elis (two goals, three assists) and Mauro Manotas (two goals), among others. Elis has been one of the league's most dangerous attacking threats thus far, ranking among the league's top 10 in eight different categories despite only playing once in the last month. Elis leads all MLS players with 11 shots on goal and is tied for the league lead in Big Chance, i.e. definite scoring opportunities, with seven on the year.

Check out the Houston Dynamo FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from April 11, 2018


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central