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Real Salt Lake vs Houston Dynamo: Preview and How To Watch

By Jordan Jacobsen

Sep 17, 2016; Sandy, UT, USA; Houston Dynamo midfielder Oscar Garcia (27) heads the ball over Real Salt Lake defender Demar Phillips (17) during the first half at Rio Tinto Stadium. Houston won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Sandy, UT, USA; Houston Dynamo midfielder Oscar Garcia (27) heads the ball over Real Salt Lake defender Demar Phillips (17) during the first half at Rio Tinto Stadium. Houston won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Real Salt Lake head to Houston to face the Dynamo in a midweek clash. Both teams are looking to build on their performances this past weekend.

Both Real Salt Lake and the Houston Dynamo saw streaks come to an end in their last match. For RSL, the claret & cobalt played spoiler against the streaking Philadelphia Union, ending their four-game winning streak. As for the Dynamo, they faced rivals FC Dallas in the Texas Derby, where Houston was able to earn a point on the road. It was their first road result this season after losing all five previous away games.

The two Western Conference sides face each other on a short turnaround and a little shorthanded, but will be looking to build momentum as they move forward into the summer. Here’s what we’ll be looking for in the match.

Houston Dynamo

May 28, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) attempts a free kick during the first half against the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) attempts a free kick during the first half against the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Current Record: 6-5-2

Last Time Out: 0-0 draw at FC Dallas

Who To Watch: Cubo Torres. Only Nemanja Nikolic of the Chicago Fire has more goals in MLS play than Cubo this season. Torres has had a break-out season in 2017, and is likely going to get called up for the Mexican National Team in this summer’s Gold Cup. Look for Cubo to see if he can keep things rolling against a mistake-prone RSL back-line.

Why They Win: The Dynamo have not won a match since May 12, when they beat the Whitecaps 2-1. That was also the last time they played at home. The Dynamo went 0-2-1 in their road trip, but are undefeated all six of their home games this season, with a 2-2 tie against Minnesota being the only time Houston hasn’t won the match.

Young Honduran attacker Alberth Elis is getting back to full health, and the Dynamo will look to get their explosive attack back to the form the were at before he went down with an injury. If the attack gets on the same page, they could put multiple goals passed an RSL side who will be without goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

Why They Won’t: While Houston have dominated at home, a major reason for their place in the standings, the Dynamo have looked very poor on the road. This match is a home game for them once again, but Houston have put together three very poor matches in a row, only scoring one total goal. RSL have been transitioning under new coach Mike Petke, and looked impressive as of late, winning two of their last three. If the Dynamo’s form continues to slip, they could see their unbeaten run come to an end against a very beatable foe.

Predicted Starting XI:

Real Salt Lake

May 27, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Jefferson Savarino (7) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2017; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Jefferson Savarino (7) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Current Record: 4-8-2

Last Time Out: 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union

Player To Watch: Luis Silva. Silva has started the last four matches for Real Salt Lake, and while he has yet to find the back of the net, the increased level of play RSL has had with him on the field cannot be ignored. It took two incredible saves by Andre Blake to keep Silva off the score sheet last week, and the striker will look the change that on the road in this one.

Why They Win: It’s been a wild ride for RSL this year. Major roster overhaul this off-season was coupled with a slew of early injuries to start the year. The club is now getting back to full health, and are finally buying into head coach Mike Petke’s system. Results have been more common as well. The back-line of Tony Beltran, Aaron Maund, Chris Schuler, and Chris Wingert will look to put together another shut out on the short week after keeping the Union off the board on Saturday. The RSL midfield have been one of the most exciting in the league, and if this team starts finishing their chances, they can easily put up multiple goals quickly.

Why They Won’t: The Wednesday stop in Houston is just the first leg of the RSL’s Texas road trip. They head to Frisco to play Dallas on Saturday. The short turnaround means that the club will likely have to rest the majority of their starters in one of the matches. Last time that happened New England pumped four goals past RSL in the first half. Houston’s home dominance could mean RSL looks to save legs for this weekend.

Predicted Starting XI:

Prediction and How To Watch:

Next: Patrick Vieira Heading To France?

When: May 31, 2017. 8:30 PM EST

Where: BBVA Compass Stadium. Houston, TX

Watch: KMYU, KUBE 57, MLS Live

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