We preview tonight’s game against the Real Salt Lake with Dynamo broadcaster Glenn Davis. Tonight’s match will be streamed live at www.HoustonDynamo.com/Live, with pregame coverage starting at 8:00 p.m. CDT and kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. Davis, a former professional player can be seen on national soccer broadcasts on ESPN and FOX and hosts the Soccer Matters radio show.Look for moredaily soccer contentfrom Davis on hisSoccer MattersFacebook page and Twitter.
Matt Pedersen: The Dynamo made five changes last week at Columbus, including four season debuts – Tyler Deric, Sheanon Williams, Agus García and Collen Warner. The new group was off to a good start before Deric’s red card. What did you think of the first 20 minutes, and then the rest of the game as the Dynamo played down a man?
Glenn Davis: I think we saw what Owen Coyle wanted to do with sitting Collen Warner on top of the two center backs to provide protection. That has been a problem for the Dynamo. The first 20 minutes were positive in that the Dynamo created two of the best chances of the entire night through Barnes, who got in behind, and Ricardo Clark off the crossbar. It was a small sample size for sure, though, until the sending off of Tyler Deric. The Dynamo defended valiantly the rest of the game and restored pride, but were not able to be dangerous enough with ten men.
MP:Warner had a distinct role at Columbus – sit in front of the back four as protection. He is a good candidate to start again with Lima suspended. What qualities does he bring to the field and how vital is his position on this Dynamo team?
GD: He is steady, he tackles, is a good passer of the ball and he will be motivated against his former teammates. Do Dynamo fans know who he is?
MP: Last week we discussed Coyle’s challenge with making changes versus over-tinkering last at Columbus. Describe his challenge this week, with only 20 minutes to view his changes 11 v 11 and another road game at RSL. Do you think he tinkers again and makes many more than the two required changes?
GD: It is a tough time for the Dynamo because some of the original plans of the starting point for a 4-2-3-1 formation temporarily changed in Columbus coming off a tough night against LA. How much is a shakeup? Only the manager and his staff know this but those considered key pieces at the start of the season have been left out. Managers have to leave their original plan sometimes but all paths can lead back there eventually. You do have to be flexible tactically in MLS and the Dynamo are still trying to get it right.
MP: What are some key areas/aspects of Saturday’s game that you’re interested in?
GD: Who is in the starting lineup for both teams? What changes? The pride of players to turn things around result-wise and building off the defensive and mental strength of the last match. Who emerges as a leader?
MP:Juan “Burrito” Martinez, Javier Morales and Yura Movsisyan are all candidates to play tonight among the attacking group for RSL, with Joao Plata questionable with a hip flexor injury. Describe the qualities of the three and what they bring to the field for RSL.
GD: They bring a mix of skill, power, ability to control tempo and unpredictability. All can make a play themselves to change a game.
MP: RSL faced Mexican giants Tigres in a two-leg CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal beginning in late February, and nearly beat the eventual finalists. How much do you think that helped Jeff Cassar’s team prepare for the start of the season?
GD: I love when MLS teams player internationally against Mexican League competition and as much as I hear the angle of MLS not be prepared for these matches I believe they are great experience, preparation. RSL was the best MLS representative in this early season tournament and I wish that this tournament would be taken more seriously in terms of positioning MLS clubs to be successful. Lots could be done and winning CONCACAF has to be a priority for a league that has it sights on being one of the best in the world.
MP: Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman has now played more games than any field player in MLS history (385), and remains a vital part of the U.S. national team. Give us your thoughts on his career, and his “late bloomer” status on the senior national team after being a regular with U.S. youth national teams.
GD: Dedication, commitment, desire and dependability. Being dependable as a holding midfielder, being strong and decisive with decision making is a forte of Beckerman. He is a great story in MLS, which young players should try to emulate. He was on my radio show this week and you can tell how much he loves the process of training, game day and constantly trying to improve. Being comfortable is the "kiss of death" in any profession.
MP:Bonus question: Leicester City can win the Premier League with a victory at Old Trafford against Manchester United tomorrow. Share your thoughts on their amazing season.
GD: I am glued to my TV tomorrow to watch the Foxes of Leicester City! It is a sports story not just a soccer story! Five thousand to one odds (to win the title at the start of the season) but a team of immense respect for the manager and each other on the field! The sum of all the parts is the way this "blue machine" works! In a world of individuals that stick out in sports it is healthy, exciting and entertaining to see how this team gets it done with clarity, definition. No mumbo jumbo here! It is so healthy for the Premier League and sports in general. Like I said, this is a sports story! Not just a soccer story!
