The Houston Dynamo get their first preseason test against MLS competition as they face the New England Revolution on Wednesday in Tucson, Arizona (6 p.m. CT, HoustonDynamo.com/live).
After multiple intra-squad scrimmages and games against college and USL sides, the Dynamo’s final four preseason matches come against MLS teams in preparation for the start of the regular season on March 4 (TICKETS). Expect a little more of an edge in these games, as players measure themselves and the team’s growth against their equals.
“Clearly, we want to win,” said forward Andrew Wenger after the team’s training on Tuesday. “They are our contemporaries, our peers and we want to prove that we are progressing and moving forward. Any day you step on the field you want to come out with a victory.
“It is also a great opportunity for us to test ourselves and see where we need to get better as we prepare for the season, because we are playing a little bit different and have different ideas. We need to see how we work together, how can we be successful and where we need to get better.”
While Wenger said that the fitness aspect of preseason “still has to be moved along,” the tactical portion of the team’s shape and movement will be put to the test against better competition over the next two weeks.
“Obviously, it helps the tactics of the team,” said midfielder Boniek García. “The head coach will be able to see what we can do and where we need to more organized. Then, we will be able to see how we need to organize in the field.”
