The Basics
2019 MLS Regular Season — Week 17
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo
Avaya Stadium — San Jose
June 26 - 9:30 PM CT
Broadcast Information
Kube57 and TeleXitos – 9:30 p.m. CT
Preview
The Houston Dynamo look to snap a four-game losing streak on the road as they visit northern California to take on the San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium this evening. This is the second meeting between both teams after Houston defeated San Jose 2-1 at BBVA Stadium on April 13 with goals from Alberth Elis and Tomas Martinez.
Houston will look to Mauro Manotas to snap a three-game scoreless streak away from BBVA Stadium. The Colombian forward leads the team in goals with six and returns to the Dynamo spending time in South America during the FIFA window.
Manotas joined Houston on the bench in their 4-0 loss to the Portland Timbers last Saturday at Providence Park. This was Houston’s largest defeat of the season and the first time they allowed three or more goals in a single half this season. The Dynamo can expect defensive reinforcements as well with the return of outside back Adam Lundkvist, who spent time in Europe during the FIFA break.
San Jose will be without U.S. Men’s National Team defender Nick Lima and Panamanian international Harold Cummings. The Quakes will also be without midfielder Anibal Godoy who underwent surgery earlier this week to remove scar tissue in his abdomen.
Houston will wrap-up the three-game cross-country road trip on Saturday as they travel to the East Coast to face Bruce Arena and the New England Revolution for the first time this season. The Dynamo return to BBVA Stadium on July 3 to host Bradley Wright-Phillips and the New York Red Bulls for 713 Night, presented by Greater Houston Ford Dealers.
Series Matchup
Earthquakes: 6 wins, 18 goals | Dynamo: 4 wins, 13 goals | 2 draws
Three Points
FRESH LEGS – The Dynamo play their third game in nine days this evening and navigate a 50-day stretch where they will play 14 games. Houston will look to four players returning from international duty for depth after El Salvador and Honduras were eliminated from the Concacaf Gold Cup. Midfielder Darwin Cerén, defender Maynor Figueroa and forwards Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto will report to the club this week and will join Houston for the remainder of the trip. Additionally, Mauro Manotas and Adam Lundkvist will be available for selection after joining the team in Oregon.
DEFENSIVE FOCUS – Houston will look to correct defensive lapses that have resulted in eight second half goals in the last three games. With the core of the defensive line available for selection tonight the Dynamo will attempt to contain a San Jose squad that has scored eight goals in their last four matches. A.J. DeLaGarza is a key component of the unit and leads the team in interceptions with 16 and leads defenders in tackles won with 11. Kiki Struna, who leads defenders in blocks with seven, will anchor the heart of the defense during this trip after returning from international duty.
CONTAINING WONDO – The Earthquakes return to league play after being eliminated from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by Los Angeles Football Club last Thursday in southern California. After a five-game losing streak to open the regular season Matias Almeyda’s team has won three out of their last five games and sit two points shy of a playoff spot. Forward Chris Wondolowski has played a large role in the turnaround and leads the team in goals with 8. The forward has sole possession of the MLS record for career regular season goals with 152. The former Dynamo forward set the record in May with a four-goal performance at Avaya Stadium in a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Fire in Week 12.
Officials
- Referee: Robert Sibiga
- Assistant Referees: Jeremy Hanson, Chris Elliott
- 4th Official: Luis Guardia
- VAR: Allen Chapman
