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MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Three Points: Dynamo Visit Columbus in Search of Victory Tonight

August 11, 2018 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON - After a two-day break, the Houston Dynamo will be back in action tonight in Columbus, Ohio as they take on Columbus Crew SC at MAPFRE Stadium. While Columbus enjoyed a bye last weekend and will come into this evening's contest fully rested, the Dynamo are once again playing their third game in eight days after a mid-week home game.

This time, the mid-week game had a little something extra to it, as the Dynamo advanced to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final for the first time in club history by defeating Los Angeles FC in a penalty shootout. Dynamo GK Joe Willis stopped two penalties in the shootout as the Dynamo topped LAFC 7-6 after the teams played to a thrilling 3-3 draw over 120 minutes.

GAME INFORMATION:

MATCHUP: Houston Dynamo (7-9-6; 27 pts.) at Columbus Crew SC (10-7-6; 36 pts.)

TIME: 6:30 p.m. CDT

TV: KUBE 57 (Channel Guide)

RADIO: SportsRadio 610 AM (English); Univision Radio 1010 AM (Spanish)

HERE ARE THREE KEY POINTS YOU'LL NEED TO KNOW AS YOU PREPARE FOR SATURDAY'S GAME:

1. MANOTAS MOVING UP - Dynamo forward Mauro Manotas has been truly stellar in recent weeks. Not only did the 23-year-old Colombian find the net on Wednesday night, he has 10 goals in his last 12 appearances in all competitions. Manotas has 15 goals on the year across all competitions, and his next tally will tie him for the club single-season record of 16 set by Will Bruin in 2012 (12 regular season, 4 playoffs).

2. MANAGING SUSPENSIONS & FATIGUE - As mentioned earlier, Houston goes into tonight's contest on short rest after playing 120 minutes in an intense elimination match Wednesday night, while Columbus comes off a bye and will be playing its first game in nearly two full weeks. Additionally, the Dynamo will be without the services of three regular starters in MF Darwin Cerén, FW Alberth Elis and DF Alejandro Fuenmayor as well as head coach Wilmer Cabrera, all of whom are suspended after being ejected from last Saturday's league match against Sporting Kansas City. Managing minutes for a tired and shorthanded squad will be a primary point of focus for the entire Dynamo coaching staff leading into and during the match.

3. KEEP AN EYE ON COLUMBUS' ATTACKING CREW - The Dynamo have been forced to rotate their back line more this year than virtually any manager would prefer due to injuries, suspensions and international call-ups, which has put a premium on communication for Houston's defenders. Clear communication at the back will be necessary this evening if they are to keep Columbus' attacking group in check. Crew SC forward Gyasi Zardes, a United States international, is having a career year with 13 goals in 23 appearances, and Columbus recently welcomed the return of winger Justin Meram from Orlando City, adding further bite to the attack. If Houston want to walk out of Ohio with three points, keeping that duo in check will be vital.

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