2. Houston need more from offensive stars
Tab Ramos is finding life on the touchline a bit tough after two losses and two draws overall this season. Performances have been inconsistent while their front three have misfired thus far.
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That front three will be missing Alberth Elis after he received a red card against the Portland Timbers. Darwin Quintero and Mauro Manotas — both of whom have failed to score — will assume more responsibility in attack. Expect them to play a major part in whether Houston gets out with all three points.
Memo Rodriguez has been a bright spot, moving into central midfield, scoring twice in the opener against LAFC. However, Ramos needs more from his attacking players, especially if they are to play on the counter-attack as they have done for much of this tournament.
This is the second time both teams will play each other after squaring off on the opening week of the regular season. On that occasion, Houston looked largely toothless in attack. They scored just once and had only two shots on target. Ramos needs more from his offensive stars on Thursday night.