The history between these two clubs is almost so well known that it’s overstated. The New England Revolution (1-1-3, 5pts) and Houston Dynamo (1-1-2, 4pts) have faced off in several memorable matches, and the clubs have met in three major finals, with Houston defeating the Revolution in two MLS Cups, while the Revs bested the orange-clad side from Houston in the Superliga Final. One important piece of history in this rivalry? The Dynamo have NEVER beaten New England in Houston (0-4-1 all time). This match, however, has a slightly different twist to it, as for the first time ever, they are meeting as Eastern Conference rivals. Both sides have gotten off to decent but not glorious starts, and are still trying to overcome injuries and find that right chemistry on the pitch. Sunday may not involve all of the major cast of characters, but both clubs know how important it will be to continue their start to the new campaign in a positive direction. Let’s see how it all matches up:
GOALKEEPERS – With Matt Reis still questionable with an abductor strain, it may be the Bobby Shuttleworth show again Sunday night in Houston. Shuttleworth has performed admirably in Reis’ absence, but doesn’t possess as much of an imposing physical presence as the Revs’ veteran does. The back four should be comfortable, however, as this will mark the third straight match with Shuttleworth between the pipes. In Houston, it’s been 25 year-old Tally Hall shouldering the keeper duties, and he has responded well. Hall has yet to surrender more than one goal in a match, and has looked strong in commandeering the Houston defense. Strong in the air and with good instincts, Hall has the potential to be a solid goalkeeper in this league for years to come. ADVANTAGE: Slight edge to Houston. It’s been Hall’s job all season, leading to better chemistry and communication, though Shuttleworth has certainly performed more than adequately in Reis’ absence.
DEFENDERS – New England has come out of the gate in 2011 performing better at the back, which is more than encouraging to a fan base that watched them surrender a league-worst 50 goals last season. Rookies like A.J. Soares and Franco Coria have performed well in their appearances, with good, physical play, and when healthy, Kevin Alston and Didier Domi have settled down the flanks and really pulled the team together at the back. However, with Domi listed as doubtful in the injury report, and veteran Ryan Cochrane listed as questionable, there will be several questions at the back for the Revs. With what is available to him, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Nicol opt for the a similar look to the opening match of the season, with Barnes at LB for Domi, Soares and Coria in the middle, and Alston on the right. Houston has had a nice start to the season defensively, surrendering four goals in their first four matches, and seem to be getting better as the back four have more opportunities to play together. No doubt the centerpiece of the Houston defense is Bobby Boswell who has asserted himself in his first three seasons in Houston as their top defender. Boswell has been joined mostly by Hunter Freeman and Andre Hainault, two defenders with good skills, but not particularly imposing size. The Dynamo have been organized at the back, and look to continue their strong play at the back with no significant injuries or suspensions heading into Sunday. ADVANTAGE: Houston. Healthy, organized, and at home.
MIDFIELDERS – This is without question where the match will be win or lost, as it is the biggest gap in quality between the two sides. New England is decimated by injury and suspension, and will be without Shalrie Joseph (red card), their captain and strongest presence, as well as Pat Phelan (red card), and off-season acquisition Ousmane Dabo is still listed as questionable on the injury report, although he is training with the full squad. Without their two defensive minded midfielders, the Revs will struggle to win and keep possession (even more so than usual). Dabo would help, but you really cannot expect much from a player that has yet to see the pitch in the 2011 campaign. The suspensions will possibly give Chris Tierney a shot to prove himself, which will help the Revolution in providing service to their forwards. Marko Perovic is back healthy and should feature as well, giving the Revolution a creative outlet on the pitch. On the Houston side, there is absolutely no question that Brad Davis the midfield star. Davis has been the team’s best playmaker, and is coming off a performance against Vancouver where he assisted on all three Dynamo goals. Whenever Houston takes the pitch you also need to keep an eye on the always feisty Geoff Cameron, who is the pit bull of the Houston midfield. Cameron is a great ball winner, and will creep up and create chances for the Dynamo if given the opportunity. Youngster Danny Cruz has also begun to announce his presence with the Dynamo, playing well as the season has progressed, which has seen him earn more playing time in the Dynamo midfield.
ADVANTAGE – Houston. Big. No Shalrie hurts the Revs the most, but you will also see how the loss of Phelan affects the side also. Expect Davis and Cameron to have big games.
FORWARDS – More question marks abound as you look at the forward position on both sides. The Revolution have seen good play from Zack Schilawski, and when Ilija Stolica finally saw the field in Vancouver, he produced a huge stoppage-time goal the earned the Revs a point. However, the question on everyone’s mind will be whether or not newly-signed Danish striker Rajko Lekic will be able to see the field. Lekic is awaiting his ITC to come through before he can play, and if I were a gambling man, I would say we don’t see the Danish man until next weekend, where he can be unveiled at home in front of his new supporters. Houston has question marks of their own, as their star striker Brian Ching is out with an injury, which has forced rookie striker Will Bruin into the spotlight. Bruin struggled in the early days of the season, but finally broke through last week against Vancouver and opened his 2011 goal scoring campaign. Look for Bruin to be partnered with Cam Weaver, who also scored against the Whitecaps, giving the Dynamo a young, yet physically talented, strike tandem. ADVANTAGE – Push. Bruin and Weaver have performed well, but it’s a small sample size. Stolica and Schilawski have proven they can produce, and the the shadow of Rajko Lekic looms large over this fixture as well.
COACHING – Kinnear and Nicol are cut from the same old-school mold and neither truly separates himself from the other. Both have strong resumes, both know how to handle injuries. ADVANTAGE – Push.
PREDICTION – Both sides have injuries, the Revs are dealing with suspensions, Houston is coming off their best performance of the year and are playing at home. However, this fixture has seen some classics in the past, and it wouldn’t surprise me if a really great match snuck up on us on Sunday night. The loss of Shalrie and Pat Phelan is going to be too much I fear. If the Revs are to win this one it’s going to take multiple goals, a feat that has yet to be accomplished against a stout Dynamo defense. It might not be a pretty match on Sunday, but when these two collide, it’s always worth watching. SCORE- HOUSTON 2 – REVS 0.
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