Portland Timbers Vs Houston Dynamo: 3 things to watch for – Blanco set to shine
By Harvey Cruz
2. Another chance to see Memo Rodriguez
24-year-old midfielder Memo Rodriguez raised eyebrows with his brace against last season’s Supporters’ Shield winners, Los Angeles FC.
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While LAFC clawed back for a draw, much of the attention went Memo’s way after his superb first-half display in which Tab Ramos moved him into a central position, not the wide role that he mostly played last season.
Speaking to reporters on a video conference call this week, the Dynamo head coach said:
"“I felt he was an inside player, not a winger. That doesn’t mean he can’t play wide, but I felt his best position is through the middle as that No. 8 or No. 10, not wide.”"
The change worked wonders as Houston scored three goals in the first half, with Memo showing his eye for goal by grabbing two of three. The Homegrown academy product will be one of many to keep an eye on as this tournament progresses. And in a high-flying Houston attack with searing pace around him, Rodriguez could once again shine on the big stage.