The Basics
2019 MLS Regular Season — Week 18
Houston Dynamo vs. FC Cincinnati
Nippert Stadium — Cincinnati
July 6— 6:30 PM CT
Broadcast Information
KUBE 57 & TeleXitos
HoustonDynamo.com/Radio
1010AM
The Houston Dynamo look to build on a midweek victory at BBVA Stadium as they travel to Ohio for their first meeting with FC Cincinnati.
Houston’s 4-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday snapped a three-game losing streak and gave the Dynamo their largest victory of the year. Forward Alberth Elis led the charge as he made his first start since June 1. The Honduran international scored two goals and tallied an assist at BBVA Stadium to earn Man of the Match honors. Forward Mauro Manotas made his first start in three matches and scored a goal in Houston’s victory. Midfielder Tomas Martinez added a tally with a strike in the second half for his third goal of the season.
Defensively, the Dynamo held New York Red Bull scoreless and earned their second clean sheet of the season. Defenders Maynor Figueroa and Kiki Struna returned to the heart of the backline for the first time since June 1 and the duo have been on the field for the three clean sheets Houston has earned this year. Figueroa will miss Saturday’s match after he received a red card at the end of the match for an altercation with Red Bulls winger Kaku.
Houston returns to BBVA Stadium to host the first-place Los Angeles FC and Carlos Vela at 8 p.m. on July 12.
Three Points
- BACK ON THE ROAD – The Dynamo will look for their second road victory of the season as they face a FC Cincinnati squad that has struggled in their inaugural MLS campaign. Houston will look to capitalize on Cincinnati’s run at home as they have only won one out of their last four games at Nippert Stadium this season. The Dynamo will aim for their first road victory since March 30 after Houston defeated the Colorado Rapids 4-1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park with goals from Alberth Elis, Memo Rodriguez and two own goals generated by Houston’s offense. Elis is available for selection today and the Honduran international is coming off a two-goal performance after returning from international play on Wednesday.
- FINAL TEST OUT EAST BEFORE LAFC CLASH – The Dynamo wrap up a three-game stretch against Eastern Conference opponents tonight as they look for back-to-back victories after Wednesday’s 4-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Houston holds a 4-1-0 record against teams from the Eastern Conference with victories against D.C. United, Montreal Impact and the Columbus Crew. Houston will look for its first victory against an Eastern Conference opponent away from Texas this season after falling to the New England Revolution 2-1 on June 29. Houston will return to Texas on Sunday and prepare for its first clash of the season with Carlos Vela and LAFC.
- ORANGE AND BLUE IN TRANSITION – FC Cincinnati enters the match with a six-game losing streak, one victory in their last 10 games and news that the club is close to a deal with its second head coach of the season. The club started with a 2-7-2 record and dismissed head coach Alan Koch after the poor on-field performances and off-the-field matters. Yoann Damet is currently serving as the interim head coach and he will look to overcome challenges on both ends of the field as FC Cincinnati sit at the bottom of the league in goals scored with 15. Defensively, Cincinnati has allowed 42 goals – the most by any club this season. General Manager Gerard Nijkamp looks to provide stability after a challenging season and spoke with reporters on Friday to announce that the club is close to offering its next head coach a short-term contract through the end of the year with an option for the 2020 season. The name and date of when that would take place is to be determined as the club returns to league play tonight at Nippert Stadium.
Officials
- Referee: Dave Gantar
- Assistant Referees: Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho, Andrew Bigelow
- 4th Official: Rosendo Mendoza
- VAR: Victor Rivas
