The Houston Dynamo will face St. Louis CITY SC for the second time this season on Saturday, as the team looks to solidify a playoff berth in the extremely congested Western Conference.
Houston dropped the first meeting between both clubs earlier this year and is in better form coming into this matchup, remaining undefeated in its last five matches in all competitions since competitive play restarted after Leagues Cup on Aug. 20. The Dynamo currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference with seven matches remaining in the regular season.
Houston has found its rhythm at both ends of the pitch in those five matches, outscoring opponents 13-1 in all competitions. Ten different players found the back of the net in that stretch, with 11 of those 13 goals being assisted. On the defensive end, the Dynamo shut out four Western Conference rivals as well as the Columbus Crew, while not conceding a goal in 453 minutes of league play.
Houston and St. Louis enter this matchup after both earning draws at LA Galaxy earlier this month. The Dynamo earned a scoreless result, while CITY’s match ended 2-2 with Sam Adeniran and João Klauss each scoring a first-half goal for the visitors.
Three Dynamo players were called up to represent their countries during the September FIFA window. Captain Héctor Herrera joined Mexico for two international friendlies, starting and playing 77 minutes in El Tri’s 2-2 draw versus Australia. Reigning Concacaf Gold Cup Player of the Tournament, Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla, started both of Panama’s Concacaf Nation’s League matches, leading his country to a 3-0 victory over Martinique and a 1-1 draw with Guatemala. Additionally, goalkeeper Xavier Valdez earned his second senior team start with the Dominican Republic, helping his country to a 3-0 victory over Montserrat.
The Dynamo next host the Vancouver Whitecaps at Shell Energy Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 20, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
