1.Weather the storm
The Dynamo are coming off two tough losses. They lost 3-0 to Santos in the Champions League followed by a 3-2 defeat in the Texas derby versus rivals FC Dallas when Kenny Cooper scored the winning goal in the 90th minute.
WATCH: Houston Dynamo home atmosphere
Houston have not lost three in a row since September 2010 and are protecting a 32-match unbeaten streak at home. Coach Dominic Kinnear will have his players fired up and I expect them to come out strong in the first 15 minutes of the game.
They will be missing some key personnel, but the players coming in will have something to prove and will want to get off to a flying start. We need to keep the game close. If we can do that, we have game-changers on the field and the bench who can make the difference late on in the game.
2.Close down Adam Moffat
Mr. Moffat was once a pupil of ‘Caps head coach Martin Rennie at Cleveland City Stars, and now he has become a nemesis.
WATCH: Moffat scores a stunner
The Scottish midfielder is a threat all over the field. He can spring a striker free on goal with a slicing pass, but what he is really known for is having one of the most lethal shots from distance in the league. We witnessed that first hand during preseason.
Nullify Moffat and we will have a great chance at celebrating in Houston.
3.Keep the ball
The conditions could be hot and humid in Houston, especially if the forecasted thunderstorms during the day of the game do happen. It will be very difficult if we are chasing the ball all the time in these difficult conditions.
Being the road team, you expect a large part of the possession to go to the home team. We will need to keep our shape and be very organized defensively.
But when we do win the ball back we have to keep the ball and frustrate the Dynamo by keeping possession. As a player, you do not need to work as hard if you have the ball. We have players on the team who are comfortable in possession. This will be very important for the ‘Caps as they look to build confidence and belief that they can end this impressive streak
CHALKBOARD:
- vs. Toronto FC
- vs. Columbus Crew
