Match Preview - Caps vs Dynamo

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Houston Dynamo
Friday May 12th, 2017
BBVA Compass Stadium
Kick: 6pm
TV: TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5
Radio: TSN1410

The Caps finish off their 4 match road trip with a visit to BBVA Compass Stadium, seeking their 1st ever win in the state of Texas, after capturing their first ever point in the state last season. The Caps enter this match coming off consecutive wins in Montreal and Colorado, after dropping the opening match of the trip in Portland.

Houston, meanwhile, enter this match undefeated at home, featuring the league’s 2nd most potent attack featuring Erick Torres, Alberth Elis, Romell Quioto and Mauro Manotas. If you remember back to the Caps initial foray into the CCL, a CD Olimpia player has severely injured and hospitalized for a couple of weeks, that was Romell Quioto.

For teams separated by 4000kms, there a number of links between the two. Current Caps starting RB Sheanon Williams got his start with Houston and forward/winger Brek Shea is from the Houston area. On the other side, Dynamo forward Erick El Cubo Torres has a history of scoring goals against the Caps, while with Chivas USA. Honduran duo Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto were both linked with the Caps at one point.

Potential Starting XI:
Houston (4-3-3): Willis, DLG/Machado/Leonardo/Beasley, Alex/Cabezas/Alexander, Elis/Torres/Quoito

Vancouver (4-1-4-1): Ousted, Williams/Waston/Parker/Harvey, Laba, Bolanos/Tchani/Jacobson/Techera, Montero

Key matchup: Caps midfield vs Houston front 3
If the Caps midfield can help contain Houston’s attack, there’s a chance of walking out of BBVA Compass with 3 points.

One would expect that the Caps cental mids would play a bit deeper given the offensive prowess of El Cubo. Much like any great player, he makes everyone around them better, meaning the Caps fullbacks need to keep their eyes peeled for back-shoulder runs from Quioto and Elis.

Up next for these two teams:
Houston @ Philadelphia on Wednesday
San Jose @ Vancouver on Saturday