Something Has to Give:
The Earthquakes are looking for an offensive breakout, and the Dynamo could use a defensive stand after allowing four goals in back-to-back home games. Maybe the teams will meet in the middle with a methodical, 2-1 chess match. Certainly, both teams would welcome three Western Conference points in a quick turnaround game, no matter how the points are accounted for. The Dynamo’s embarrassing 4-1 loss to FC Dallas in the Texas Derby seemed more a byproduct of FC Dallas’ ultra-dangerous counterattack than reason to dive into a Texas snake pit. The Dynamo dominated possession, but was punished severely for its miscues. Expect them to be breathing fire on Tuesday. There is precedent for the Quakes finding their offensive mojo against the Dynamo. In a 3-0 win over Houston at Buck Shaw Stadium last May, the Quakes’ attack sprang to life, sparked by the return of wing Shea Salinas from a one-game suspension. This time around, Salinas is coming off a sharp effort in a 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium, setting up the Quakes lone goal by Chris Wondolowski with an extra-effort play. Salinas, a Texas native, also nearly assisted the winner with a spot-on corner kick in the 94th minute. The Quakes are playing the second game in a tough stretch of three road games, which will conclude on Friday in Colorado. They’ll need to gut this out and get what they can. This wouldn't be a bad time and place for young legs to step forward. Hard-working Tommy Thompson, a U.S. national under-20 team player, and Fatai Alashe, a U-23 team player who has been starting in the middle, could be impact players as the road trip plays out.
Dominic Kinnear's Return:
Popular Quakes coach Dominic Kinnear is in Houston to acquire three points on a business trip. He does not want to be the story. But his return to Houston for the first time is a big deal. Kinnear has had a huge impact on both franchises, helping usher in two beautiful stadiums, BBVA Compass Stadium in 2012; and Avaya Stadium this season. He led the Dynamo to two MLS Cup championships during a sterling nine-year run, and Quakes fans hope he can do as much in San Jose. It’s hard to say if Kinnear’s knowledge of Houston’s roster, at least its returners, will have a direct impact on the game. He can’t play, but it will be fun to see how it all plays out. One thing’s for sure, Kinnear will see many familiar faces as he makes his way on and off the field Tuesday night.
Defense Travels Well:
While the Dynamo has been struggling for answers on defense at home, the Quakes back line has proven resilient, even downright stubborn. After a 2-0 loss at the New York Red Bulls on April 17, the Quakes did not allow Real Salt Lake to have a shot on goal – an impressive feat in a hostile environment – although RSL missed the target seven times. Epitomizing the club’s versatility, Cordell Cato has been a gem at left back filling in for veteran defender Jordan Stewart, who appears close to a return. If it weren’t for an own goal against Real Salt Lake, the Quakes would have been lauded for their second shutout in three games. The Quakes have allowed four total goals in the past four games. Former Colorado Rapids mainstay Marvell Wynne continues to be a strong addition at right back. Of course, defense starts up front, with the forwards being disruptive and the midfielders avoiding turnovers in bad positions.
