We preview today’s game at the LA Galaxy with Dynamo broadcaster Glenn Davis. Today’s match will air live nationally on UniMás (channel guide) with kickoff set for 10 p.m. CDT. 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 more daily soccer content from Davis on his Soccer Matters Facebook page and Twitter.
Matt Pedersen: The Dynamo kept their third clean sheet in six league games under interim head coach Wade Barrett in last Friday’s 0-0 draw at Orlando City SC. What were your thoughts on the match?
Glenn Davis: Team shape and organization continue to be stressed and visible from the outside. The team is not conceding goals. There would be a time you would say a road draw was a good thing, but draws now have to be turned into wins either on the road or at home.
MP:In your radio interview with Wade Barrettthis week you discussed the differing options within the attack and how the club can score more goals. What are your thoughts on the forward position, which has four players competing for seemingly one starting spot?
GD: I think the striker position is one that holds the key to the Dynamo’s run to get into the playoffs or not. Right now, not enough goals are being produced at this position. Wade Barrett has hinted at varying things at this position.
MP:The Galaxy seem to be rolling again, unbeaten in four straight games in all competitions and Robbie Keane is back from the EUROs and has scored in each of the last two games. What are some keys for the Dynamo defense in slowing down Keane tonight?
GD: All the things you would normally say: Deny him the ball, cut off his supply line, deny the turn, get a covering player around him. Easy to say on paper, less than easy to do over the course of 90 minutes with a player that can win you a game via one play. This would go for Gio dos Santos as well.
MP:Center back Jelle Van Damme is one of two newcomers to the LA backline, along with injured left back Ashley Cole. What has the Belgian veteran brought to Bruce Arena’s team?
GD: He has brought a real presence and a level of intimidation in the center of the field. He is indigenous to his area of the field and is protective and will draw attention off corners and set pieces. He has been a good signing, for sure.
MP:Steven Gerrard has a team-high seven assists and three in his last three games. What are your impressions of the Liverpool legend’s second season in LA?
GD: The first year probably surprised him, but to watch him play is to watch a legend. His visit to Houston in April left a lasting impression on many and his thinking of the game is what I marvel at. It is great to have him in MLS!
MP:What have you seen from the Dynamo’s middle three of Ricardo Clark, Alex Lima and Collen Warner? Assess their organization and cohesiveness during this good defensive run.
GD: They are a hard-working trio that is asked to control the middle third of the field and protect the two center backs. Lima pulls towards the left side and has combined well with DaMarcus Beasley and Boniek GarcÃa in matches. The fire in the belly of Lima has to be applauded, Rico Clark astounds me with his fitness level in the twilight of his career while Warner brings stability, calm and balance. That being said, they are also responsible to make plays to initiate and fulfill attacks, especially in the case of Clark and Lima.
