Dynamo aim to keep home dominance vs. Timbers (Jul 29, 2017)

By AP
Published

The Houston Dynamo and Portland Timbers are both in the mix for the top spot in the Western Conference and they'll go head-to-head on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.

The Dynamo currently have a two-point advantage on the Timbers in third place in the West and also have a game in hand. Both teams are coming off big away wins with Houston beating D.C. United and Portland coming away with three points in Vancouver.

"We didn't come into this season wanting to win one road game so we've still got a lot of work to do," Houston defender A.J. DeLaGarza said. "We've got to continue to get points and if we don't win this weekend, then what did that win do for us? It's important to keep going and keep pushing and stay on top in the Western Conference."

For Houston, it was a first road win of the season and now it gets to return home where it has yet to lose.

Portland's victory last week came at the expense of the Cascadia rival Vancouver Whitecaps in a hostile atmosphere at BC Place.

Houston will be quite a bit hotter and more humid than the conditions the Timbers faced in Canada. A team like the Dynamo will have everything in its favor at home.

"I think showing the same defensive shape and grit that we showed against Vancouver (is important)," goalkeeper Jake Gleeson said. "They're a good side. They're very much an attacking side with some good attacking players. For us, it's being prepared, watching video and playing the system that we know will get us three points."

"It's obviously difficult to go and play in the humidity when you're not used to it. But at the same time, we've got to play in these different places and you can't use it as an excuse."

Midfielder George Malki (knee) remains out for Houston and Eric Alexander (knee) is doubtful, but goalkeeper Tyler Deric could be available for selection.

For Portland, defender Gbenga Arokoyo (Achilles), Liam Ridgewell (quad), Amobi Okugo (knee), Chance Myers (hamstring) are all out while Diego Chara (hamstring), Vytas Andriuskevicius (calf) and Jack Barmby (ankle) are all questionable.