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Houston, San Jose meet in important Western Conference clash

By Jordan Jacobsen

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 05: Tomas Martinez of Argentina looks to evade the defence of Martin Rasner of Austria during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Group B match between Austria and Argentina at Wellington Regional Stadium on June 5, 2015 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 05: Tomas Martinez of Argentina looks to evade the defence of Martin Rasner of Austria during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Group B match between Austria and Argentina at Wellington Regional Stadium on June 5, 2015 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) /
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Both the Earthquakes and the Dynamo are trying to stay above the redline in the Western Conference. They’ll face off for a chance to earn a valuable result.

No team is safe in the Western Conference right now, making the conference matchups matter that much more. Both the Houston Dynamo and San Jose Earthquakes will look to take advantage of a chance at “six points” at the expense of the other. Along with the chance to make space in the standings, both sides will also likely debut their new key attacking pieces. Both of these teams like to play a counter attacking style, so expect to see plenty of speed and chances created in this one.

San Jose Earthquakes

https://twitter.com/SJEarthquakes/status/896401067986092032

Current Record: 9-9-5

Last Time Out: 2-1 win over Columbus

Player To Watch: Valeri Qazaishvili. Qazaishvili, better known as Vako, may not be a very recognizable name, but he has a very impressive pedigree that stacks up with almost anyone in the league. Under new coach Chris Leitch and his new attacking style, look for Vako to fill in nicely behind an impressive San Jose attack.

Why They Win: San Jose are looking to earn their third straight win, and have looked impressive under Leitch. With Vako filling in nicely in the midfield, he could be the missing link they need to start earning some much-needed points on the road. Houston has been vulnerable on defense more often than not, so the Earthquakes speed could have a field day in this one.

Why They Won’t: San Jose have struggled on the road this year, and lost to Sporting Kansas City on penalties just on Wednesday. Having the short turnaround could lead to some heavy legs, which could be fatal against a Houston team with plenty of speed of their own.

Houston Dynamo

Current Record: 9-7-7

Last Time Out: 0-0 draw at Real Salt Lake

Player To Watch: Tomas Martinez. Houston was pretty busy this window, but bringing in South American attacking midfielder, Tomas Martinez, could take them over the top. Houston have thrived with their pacey counter-attack, but Martinez could be the piece that helps them unlock parked defenses, similar to the one they could see with San Jose.

Why They Win: The Dynamo have one of the best attacks in the league. Especially when Martinez is added to the mix. They’ve also been one of the top teams at home. Look for Houston to build on their momentum and beat San Jose with the playing style the Earthquakes are trying to emulate. If the Earthquakes are willing to park the bus and try to simply grind out a draw, look for Martinez to unlock the space.

Why They Won’t: Houston still give up a lot of goals. They added Phillippe Senderos, but it’s unlikely he alone will solve all of the deficiencies. San Jose’s new look attack may be too much handle for their struggling back line, even with the new additions.

Prediction and How To Watch

Next: Dynamo make two big signings in the Summer Window

When: August 12, 2017 9:00 pm EST

Where: BBVA Compass Stadium. Houston, TX

Watch: MLSLive

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