The Houston Dynamo retake the field on Saturday night in a Western Conference matchup against the Colorado Rapids (7:30 pm | TICKETS). It will be the team’s first match following the impact of Hurricane Harvey throughout the Texas coast.
The Dynamo last took the field on August 23rd in a dramatic 3-3 draw at FC Dallas. They were scheduled to host Sporting Kansas City three days later before the match was postponed to October 11. The team also moved their practices to the Dallas area last Thursday before returning to the Houston area on Sunday, but are back in town ready to take the field for the city.
“The best way to move on is preparing ourselves the best way possible to face the Colorado Rapids,” said head coach Wilmer Cabrera. “We have to come back after a long break and try to do our best job, because right now we are very tight in terms of points. We need those three points if we would like to be in the playoffs this season.”
During the layoff due to Harvey and an international break, the Dynamo have dropped to fifth place after two matchdays that took place during their period of inactivity. A win would not only be a boost to the Dynamo in the standings, but a boost to the spirits of a city recovering.
“Our best way to help the city get back on its feet is to give them that joy on the soccer field,” said midfielder Juan David Cabezas. “We are aware that we need to win and we need to do it playing well.”
Cabezas and defender A.J. DeLaGarza missed the match against Dallas due to yellow card accumulation and are expected to return to the fold. Additionally, eight players return from international duty on behalf of both teams and will be available for this match – including U.S. teammates DaMarcus Beasley and Tim Howard.
The Rapids are coming off a 3-0 loss on the road to the LA Galaxy during the international break. Winless on the road in 2017, Colorado return to BBVA Compass Stadium and the scene of their last MLS road win on October 8, 2016.
With eight games left in the regular season, Cabrera knows it’s no time to underestimate any opponent and has already labeled every game left a final. The Dynamo manager has emphasized his team will be ready and motivated on Saturday as they continue to push for the playoffs.
“We have talked about everything that has happened and they are motivated to show the city and the fans, and to show that we are stronger and united,” said Cabrera. “We want to bring joy during these suffering moments, difficult moments that we have been through.”
