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Portland Timbers Vs Houston Dynamo: 3 things to watch for – Blanco set to shine

By Harvey Cruz

Portland Timbers, Houston Dynamo, Memo Rodriguez (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Portland Timbers, Houston Dynamo, Memo Rodriguez (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Portland Timbers, Houston Dynamo, Memo Rodriguez
Portland Timbers, Houston Dynamo, Memo Rodriguez (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

On Saturday night, the Portland Timbers play the Houston Dynamo with a chance to clinch knockout qualification with a win. Here are three things to watch for.

The manner in which the Portland Timbers overwhelmed the LA Galaxy for a 2-1 win was impressive. Jumping out to a two-goal lead before going down to 10 men against a quality side proved just the right test for Gio Savarese’s men to show how good they are.

Now come the Houston Dynamo, who are chomping at the bit to get back following a wild 3-3 draw against Los Angeles FC, in which they will feel disappointed that they did not hold onto a 3-1 lead.

It’s a fun battle on Saturday night with El Trafico coming afterwards. Here are three things to watch for.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – APRIL 12: Tab Ramos #10 of the New York/New Jersey MetroStars is joined by his family during the ceremony honoring his retirement prior to the MLS match against the Columbus Crew at the Meadowlands Giants Stadium on April 12, 2003 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Crew defeated the MetroStars 1-0. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – APRIL 12: Tab Ramos #10 of the New York/New Jersey MetroStars is joined by his family during the ceremony honoring his retirement prior to the MLS match against the Columbus Crew at the Meadowlands Giants Stadium on April 12, 2003 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Crew defeated the MetroStars 1-0. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

3. Gio Savarese vs Tab Ramos for the first time

The two head coaches were once teammates of the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. Gio Savarese was a goalscorer, while Tab Ramos became one of the faces of the franchise. Both are in the Red Bulls’ ’20 in 20′, which are the 20 best players in franchise history. Now as managers, they face off for the very first time, showing nothing but respect for each other.

Speaking to reporters on a video conference call before the match, Ramos said:

"“Gio and I are very good friends. I respect him so much, not just as a coach but as a person.”"

Savarese reciprocated the respect and admiration:

"“Tab is a clever manager, he’s one that’s very pragmatic. We have seen that with the national team when he was coaching there. We have seen what he’s building in Houston, he’s building a team that is strong mentally, he’s building a team has depth, pieces that are clear in the way they want to play. We saw against LAFC how well they did and it’s going to be a tough match for us.”"

Tactically, it will be fascinating to see how the two coaches adjust against one another. If there’s one thing about ex-teammates, it’s that the fiery competitiveness never goes away. They will both want to get a victory over the other.

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