After an exciting clash of rivals for Columbus, and an upset in Houston, the Crew SC and Dynamo are set to clash in Week 2. What can you expect in this East vs. West contest, and where can you catch the match?
Last week saw the MLS Regular Season return. In Week 1, Columbus Crew SC took on their rival Chicago Fire, but gave up a late goal to end the match with a 1-1 draw.
The Houston Dynamo, on the other hand, started their season with a surprise 2-1 win over the defending MLS Cup Champion Seattle Sounders FC.
Here’s what to expect in the Week 2 collision of the Black & Gold and Forever Orange:
Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew SC come into this match on the heels of a 1-1 draw to Chicago. Columbus played a dominant first half, but fell back into their second half slump and left Mapfre Stadium with only 1 point.
The Crew SC have to find a way moving forward to play consistently past the first 45 minutes, or their 2017 will be a mirror image of an unimpressive 2016.
In Week 1, coming off of his first diagnosed concussion, Ola Kamara seemed a step behind, not being the explosive player he’s known to be. If Kamara is back to 100% in Week 2, Columbus may very well be able to capitalize on more goal scoring opportunities, and leave Houston with a win.
The real question for Columbus Crew SC is can Federico Higuain find a way to be the difference maker he was during the preseason? In Week 1, the designated player was a complete non-factor, falling in the shadow of a stellar performance by Justin Meram and the ‘Man of the Match’ Ethan Finley.
Houston Dynamo:
Houston Dynamo may have left Week 1 with the most bragging rights of any club, having upset the MLS Champions. The Dynamo have made attacking a priority, and will put the rebuilt Columbus defense to the test in Week 2.
Houston wreaked havoc on Seattle’s defense with a 4-3-3 lineup we can expect to see put into action again against the Crew SC. Expect Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera to send the attacking trio of Quioto, Elis, and Torres full-force against Columbus’s backline.
After the win against Seattle, Cabrera stated in a post match press conference that moving forward “we won’t see a possession oriented team, we don’t have the players for that. But we are gonna attack, we are gonna attack”.
With Columbus known recently to struggle defensively, this may end up being the perfect storm for Houston to capture their second straight win.
Prediction:
The further away from his concussion Ola Kamara gets, the more you can expect him to return to form as a dynamic goal scorer for the Crew SC. However, Houston will put the Crew SC defense to the test when they have possession.
Expect a Week 2 shootout in Houston, and we’re not sure the Columbus defense is up for the task quite yet.
Expect Columbus to strike first and take the lead in the first half, but we fear the second half struggles will continue for the Crew SC and the attack-heavy Dynamo will capitalize with 2 late goals for the home win.
How to watch:
Matchday: Saturday, March 11, 2017 8:30PM ET
MLS LIVE · KUBE 57 · CW Columbus · Spectrum Sports OH · BCSN2
Next: 2017 Columbus Crew SC Report Card: Week 1
Who do you predict will leave the BBVA Compass Stadium with a win in Week 2? Keep the conversation going in the comment section at the bottom of the page, and stay here at MLS Multiplex all season long for all of your MLS Regular Season news.