We preview tonight’s game at Vancouver Whitecaps FC with Dynamo broadcaster Glenn Davis. Tonight’s match will air live on ROOT Sports Southwest, with pregame coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. CDT and kickoff set for 5:00 p.m. Davis, a former professional player can be seen on national soccer broadcasts on ESPN and FOX and hosts the Soccer Matters radio show.Look for moredaily soccer contentfrom Davis on hisSoccer MattersFacebook page and Twitter.
Matt Pedersen: The Dynamo and Owen Coyle parted ways on Wednesday. Can you share your overall thoughts on his Dynamo tenure?
Glenn Davis: It was one of real optimism and excitement to begin, with the cautious optimism of a foreign manager in MLS. I believe Owen Coyle adapted fine to MLS, so I don't think the lack of success is an indictment on foreign managers. Inconsistency plagued this team and has plagued this team (for several years). Highs were the 5-0 win over FC Dallas and lows included the inability to win on the road.
MP: Assistant coach Wade Barrett will lead the team today, along with assistants Paul Caffrey and Paul Rogers. They’ve been given license to manage the game with their own imprint and ideas. Do you expect a few changes to the Dynamo look or tactics today?
GD: I expect an attitude change organically from the players. It will be interesting to see how they set the team up and how a new voice steps up. The same challenges are there for the Dynamo today on the road.
MP: Does the departure of Owen Coyle shift more pressure and accountability to the players with a second-year head coach no longer shouldering the blame when results don’t go well?
GD: The struggles are not exclusive to just the manager, that is for sure. Managers don't kick a soccer ball or make on-field decisions.
MP: Mauro Manotas has had a nice run of late, with two goals on loan with RGV FC, two quality chances at Chicago last weekend and a well-taken goal versus Real Sociedad on Tuesday. What have you seen from the 20-year-old as he matures this season?
GD: I’ve seen a want and hunger to make it from Mauro. A young man trying to change his lifestyle. A professional maturity beyond his years. Quick, mobile, good on the ball and no fear.
MP: Vancouver has had a streaky season, starting off 0-2 and winning three in a row earlier this month before a defeat last week at Portland. They’re now 6-6-2 and tied for third in the West. What are your impressions of Carl Robinson’s team this season?
GD: They have struggled defensively as opposed to last year, when they were tied for tops in the league in least goals conceded. Carl Robinson has challenges fielding a back four today. It is an area to keep an eye on. On the other side, they can explode in the counter attack.
MP: Bonus question: What’s your prediction for today’s Champions League Final in Milan, with Atletico Madrid facing rival Real Madrid for the second time in three years?
GD: I am pulling for the lower budget, man in black (Diego Simeone) led Atletico Madrid! So I say they get it done in Milan! It is going to fascinating!!!
