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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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REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 13: Memo Rodriguez #8 of Houston Dynamo celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during a match between Los Angeles FC and Houston Dynamo as part of MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 13, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 13: Memo Rodriguez #8 of Houston Dynamo celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during a match between Los Angeles FC and Houston Dynamo as part of MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 13, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

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.

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