MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Three Points: Houston Dynamo Host First Place Sporting Kansas City on Saturday

Published on September 4, 2020 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON - The Houston Dynamo close a two-game stretch at BBVA Stadium on Saturday by hosting Sporting Kansas City at 7 p.m. Fans can watch the match live on QuestTexas ch. 55.

Houston look to build on back-to-back victories after a 3-0 triumph on Wednesday against Minnesota United. The Dynamo earned their second clean sheet of the year and first victory at BBVA Stadium under head coach Tab Ramos. Ramos and three Dynamo players were named to the Audi MLS Team of the Week after Wednesday's effort which saw Houston extend its unbeaten run to four games.

Darwin Quintero gave Houston the lead after he scored against his former club in the 27th minute. His fourth goal of the season was also his third goal in the last two games. The Colombian forward has been key in Houston's recent run and leads the team in goals and assists with four each. Forward Ariel Lassiter made his debut on Wednesday and scored a brace in his 35-minute shift, the first time a player scored a brace in their Dynamo debut since Brian Ching in the inaugural Dynamo game on April 2, 2006.

Defensively, Marko Maric and the Dynamo backline earned their second clean sheet of the season. Maric finished with four saves, the most in three games. Darwin Ceren played a large role in thwarting the Minnesota offense by leading the team in tackles with four and interceptions with four. Maynor Figueroa kept the ball circulating for the Dynamo by winning possession 14 times throughout the match on Wednesday.

Saturday's game will be the third meeting between both clubs this season and the first since Aug. 25. The Dynamo earned their first victory of the season that evening courtesy of a brace from Quintero and goals from Alberth Elis, Christian Ramirez and Niko Hanson.

The Dynamo will close Phase 1 on the road as they travel to Colorado on Wednesday and visit Frisco for the second leg of the Texas Derby on Saturday, Sept. 12.

WHO:

Houston Dynamo vs. Sporting Kansas City

WHEN:

Saturday, Sept. 5 - 7:00 p.m. CDT

TV:

QuestTexas Ch. 55 (Glenn Davis, Eddie Robinson and Cindy Burbano)

RADIO:

TUDN Radio Houston 1010 AM (Daniel Mejia and Lester Gretsch)

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

1. QUINTERO KEY IN CONSECUTIVE VICTORIES: Darwin Quintero has scored three goals and added two assists in the last two games, contributing to five of Houston's eight goals. The Colombian forward has been dynamic and key in Houston's current four game unbeaten run that began on July 23 against the LA Galaxy in the MLS is Back Tournament. Quintero scored the opening goal of the match against the Galaxy and has since led Houston to a 2-0-2 record. This is the first time the forward has scored in back-to-back games since March 2019.

2. DEPTH ACROSS THE FIELD: With four games in 11 days the Dynamo will look to their bench to navigate the most congested stretch of the season. The Dynamo have secured valuable minutes from players like Darwin Ceren who led the team in interceptions against Minnesota and added an assist in his first start of the season against Kansas City. Christian Ramirez scored a goal and finished with the game-winning assist against Kansas City on Aug. 25. Niko Hansen also finished with a goal and an assist against Kansas City and his pace created problems for Minnesota throughout the first half. Defensively, the Dynamo will look to Chilean international Jose Bizama for depth as an outside back and Alejandro Fuenmayor in the middle of the backline.

3. KANSAS CITY LOOKING FOR REBOUND: Sporting Kansas City look to bounce back after earning one point in two games at Children's Mercy Park. Khiry Shelton secured a share of the points for Kansas City after he scored the equalizer late into first half stoppage time. Shelton capitalized after FC Dallas was forced to substitute Jimmy Maurer due to injury in the 42nd minute. Kansas City are still at the top of the Western Conference standings and host Minnesota United on Sept. 13 in their final Phase 1 match.

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