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MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Three Points: Houston Dynamo Begin Open Cup Defense against In-State Foe

June 11, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON - The Houston Dynamo kick off the defense of their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship Tuesday night as they host Austin Bold FC at BBVA Compass Stadium. Houston captured its first title in the century-old tournament last September with a 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Union, giving the club its third domestic trophy in 13 years.

Dynamo forward Mauro Manotas has made the Open Cup his personal playground, scoring 10 goals in 10 appearances, including six in last year's title-winning run. The 23-year-old Colombian owns the club records for career goals in the Open Cup, goals in a single tournament, and goals in a single Open Cup match; and his first career goal for the club came in Open Cup play in 2015.

The early rounds of the Open Cup frequently offer opportunities to players who have struggled to break into the lineup during league play. For Houston, players such as right back Chris Duvall, forward Ronaldo Peña, midfielder Eric Bird and rookie defender Sam Junqua could hear their numbers called for the first time this season. In the case of Duvall, Bird and Peña, injuries suffered in preseason forced them to the sideline at the crucial point in the season when coaches were identifying their most trusted players, and the Open Cup may provide a crucial chance to push their way back into the rotation.

On the opposite side of the pitch, Austin Bold FC are looking for a statement win in their inaugural season. Founded a year ago by Formula One billionaire Bobby Epstein, Bold FC are looking to grab hold of the hearts and minds of soccer fans in the state capital now, before Austin FC begins play in Major League Soccer in 2021.

A win on Tuesday would put Houston in the Open Cup Round of 16 for the fifth straight year. The draw for the Round of 16 is scheduled for Thursday morning at 10 a.m. CDT, with matches scheduled for June 18 or 19.

WHO:

Houston Dynamo vs. Austin Bold FC

WHEN:

Tuesday, June 11 - 7:00 p.m. CDT

STREAM:

ESPN +

Here are three key points ahead of tonight's game:

DEFENDING THE CUP - Houston returns to Open Cup play after claiming their first title in the competition in 2018. Houston will be confident as they return to BBVA Compass Stadium, where they are unbeaten in nine MLS games this season. Houston also enters the game with a five-game winning streak at home in Open Cup play. With six players on international duty, Wilmer Cabrera will look to Juan David Cabezas, Tommy McNamara and Marlon Hairston to anchor the team and lead the club to the Round of 16 for the fifth consecutive year.

SALAZAR AIMS TO BRING USL CHAMPIONSHIP FORM TO BBVA - Michael Salazar signed with the Dynamo on Monday and has appeared in 12 matches for the RGV FC Toros this season, starting eight, and led the team with eight goals on the year. His eight goals are tied for fourth-most in the USL Championship, and he has averaged nearly a goal per 90 minutes played this year. The 26-year-old has experience in Major League Soccer, having played for the Montreal Impact from 2016-18. He appeared in 34 games, starting 15, and tallied five goals and three assists with the Impact. The forward is projected to play on Tuesday and looks to bring his goal-scoring form to Houston as the club enters the summer competing for three tournaments.

SCOUTING AUSTIN - On the pitch, Bold FC are led by several players with MLS experience, including former Houston Dynamo defender Jermaine Taylor. The former Jamaican international played in 106 MLS matches with the Dynamo, starting 101, from 2011-15. Up front, Bold FC are led by a pair of experienced Brazilian strikers in Kleber and André Lima along with Central Texas native Kris Tyrpak. That trio have combined for 11 goals and four assists so far this season.

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