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Houston Dynamo vs. Orlando City: Preview and How to Watch

By Wesley Davidson

Apr 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC forward Carlos Rivas (11) celebrates with forward Will Johnson (8) and the fans after he scored a goal against the Colorado Rapids during the second half at Orlando City Stadium. Orlando City SC defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC forward Carlos Rivas (11) celebrates with forward Will Johnson (8) and the fans after he scored a goal against the Colorado Rapids during the second half at Orlando City Stadium. Orlando City SC defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Dynamo host Orlando City SC on Saturday night in a cross-conference clash. Both sides fell to Toronto FC on the road in their last appearances.

Houston’s poor away form was on display again in a 2-0 loss to Toronto. The Dynamo have yet to pick up points away from the friendly confines of BBVA Compass Stadium and will be hoping to get back on track on Saturday. However, they face a tough test against Major League Soccer’s leader on points and a defense that has only conceded 7 goals.

Coach Wilmer Cabrera switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 in the previous two matches. The new formation worked well in a 2-0 win over San Jose, allowing the Dynamo to bottle up the Earthquakes for the majority of the game. The new formation did not work so well against Toronto.

Meanwhile, Orlando City will be playing their second straight away match following a 2-1 loss at Toronto. Orlando will also likely lineup in a 4-4-2. Captain Kaká will be leading the way after making his return two games ago, scoring in a substitute appearance against Colorado and in a start last time out against Toronto.

Houston Dynamo

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current Record (W-L-D): 4-3-1
  • Last Time Out: 2-0 loss at Toronto FC
  • Player to Watch for: Romell Quito. The pacy Honduran has been aiming to return to the starting lineup for Houston after suffering a dislocated shoulder and missing time early in the season. Quioto has been a substitute in each of the three games since his return from injury, and he will be hoping to get more playing time on Saturday. Look for Quioto to be pivotal in Houston’s effort to get in behind the Orlando defense and link up with Erick “Cubo” Torres.
  • Why They Win: The Dynamo are an entirely different team at home, particularly with their creativity in the attacking third. If Quioto gets significant playing time and is able to recreate the magic we saw early on in linking with Alberth Elis and Torres, that Dynamo could have Orlando their second straight road loss.
  • Why They Won’t: Inconsistency. Houston have shown flashes of attacking brilliance, but they have come in spurts along with a number of defensive lapses leading to dropped points. Against the likes of Kaká, Carlos Rivas, and Cyle Larin, defensive lapses will likely cost the Dynamo three points.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

Orlando City SC

May 3, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC goalkeeper Alex Bono (25) and Orlando City SC forward Cyle Larin (9) fight for the ball in front of the net during the game between Orlando City SC and Toronto FC at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC goalkeeper Alex Bono (25) and Orlando City SC forward Cyle Larin (9) fight for the ball in front of the net during the game between Orlando City SC and Toronto FC at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current Record (W-L-D): 6-2-0
  • Last Time Out: 2-1 loss at Toronto FC
  • Player to Watch for: Cyle Larin. While this is an easy choice considering Larin is arguably the most complete striker in MLS, he will be especially hungry to find the back of the net after failing to do so against Toronto. Larin’s six goals have him tied for second in the MLS Golden Boot race.
  • Why They Win: Although Orlando fell at Toronto during the week, there were many bright spots to carry into Saturday’s match. The Lions dominated possession (56%), and out shot Toronto. Their recipe for success will likely be controlling the ball again and limiting Houston’s chances to counter with their speedy front players.
  • Why They Won’t: Road struggles. Orlando has also found road points hard to come by, taking three from a possible nine. They will hope to recreate their solid away performance in a win against New York City FC, but Houston’s attack will likely pose a stiff test for a back line that has kept Orlando in the majority of their matches so far.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

Score Prediction:

How to Watch:

Where: BBVA Compass Stadium

When: Saturday, May 6, 7:30 pm CST

Channel: MLS Live

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