After a disastrous home stand the Houston Dynamo traveled to Canada and managed to dominate a flat Toronto FC to pick up the full three points. With confidence renewed, they're back home to attempt what hasn't been done since mid-April: win a game in front of their fans. They'll be up against a resurgent Portland Timbers that is finally getting back to full health.
A key part of the Dynamo's success has been Spanish defender Raul Rodriguez. The former La Liga player has been a calming presence in the back alongside the more physical Jermaine Taylor. The combination has been more successful than not. Hopefully the trip to Canada helped them find their form which they can bring back home. They'll need it as Diego Valeri came back in style with a goal against the Montreal Impact.
After being out since last October, it might have been reasonable to think he'd need a few games to round into shape. All it took was a sub appearance against the Whitecaps for him to get back to his old ways. The Timbers offense looked much smoother and cleaner with him pulling the strings. Will Johnson is close to being back to full fitness as well, restoring the team to full health.
The Dynamo recently announced the signing of U-20 Colombian striker Mauro Manotas to supplement their attack, especially during a busy summer that will see the Dynamo without five of their players for various tournaments. It's unlikely that fans will get to see him so soon but he'll be a critical part of the squad down the stretch.
For this particular match, the part of the squad to keep an eye on will be the defense. After giving up nine goals during their last home stretch, Head Coach Owen Coyle benched normal right back Kofi Sarkodie in favor of Rodriguez. To handle the center of defense David Horst was slotted alongside Taylor with DaMarcus Beasley in his usual spot. This allowed Rodriguez to neutralize Toronto's Sebastian Giovinco to great effect while Taylor and Horst muscled out Jozy Altidore.
While the offense wasn't quite as speedy alongside the right flank, it was more defensively sound. Its possible Coyle continues with this group, asking the central pair to mark Fanendo Adi while Rodriguez keeps Valeri in check.
Another part of the field to keep an eye on will be the left midfield spot. Last week Captain Brad Davis was out with a minor hamstring injury, leaving Alex Lopez to take his place to amazing effect. The young Honduran had his best performance in a Dynamo uniform, setting up Beasley to earn a penalty kick in the first half. His passing caused trouble for Toronto's defense all night. It'll be interesting to see if Lopez is still in the lineup if Davis is healthy enough to play.
Giles Barnes has been a star player this season, racking up an impressive five goals and one assist so far, putting him tied for 5th best in the league. His speed and passing were perfectly utilized last week when playing underneath strike partner Will Bruin. This allowed Bruin to keep the focus of the defense on himself, opening tons of space for Barnes to exploit.
The Dynamo need to win at home, if for no other reason than to build excitement amongst the fans. The memories of their previous home stand are very fresh. With the Copa America, Gold Cup and Pan American Games all fast approaching, points at home are crucial and the team cannot afford to drop any more. With only eight points from a possible 21, they won't be able to get into the playoffs, the team's stated goal, with more disappointing home results.