We preview Saturday’s game against Sporting Kansas City with Dynamo broadcaster Glenn Davis. Tickets are available for tomorrow’s match, which will air on ROOT SPORTS Southwest Alternate Channel (7:00 p.m. pregame show). 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 had another lead in the second half but could not turn it into points in a 2-1 loss at Real Salt Lake on Saturday. What did you think of the Dynamo performance?
Glenn Davis: The Dynamo were positioned well in the second half and have had the lead before on the road in similar situations. It has been a struggle to see out games and this one changed off an individual mistake. Self-inflicted mistakes have really hurt the Dynamo throughout this season and one scratches their head for answers. Many mistakes have come from veteran players whom you would not expect them from.
MP: The Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City have engaged in some physical games over the years, and the emotions are usually high. Last year, the Dynamo had a player sent off in all four meetings. How does a player manage the increased intensity while maintaining emotional control?
GD: A professional soccer player is expected to have emotional control during tense situations. There is always that fine line of being overly emotional and the balance of having clarity in varying situations. Channeling energy and emotion is something that comes with the territory.
MP: Brad Davis comes back to Houston for the first time after moving to Kansas City in January. He seems to be playing a slightly different role, often deployed on the right side of a 4-3-3 and higher up the field than his Dynamo years. What have you seen from Davis this season and what do you think of his new role?
GD: Brad has benefited from the move, in my opinion. This works for many of us in life. I think it is fresh for him. He cuts in from the right side onto his left foot. He will appear for Sporting for the ninth time this year, and last weekend scored a fabulous goal against LA. As a player, you do not want him coming in here and playing well and you will take pride in that fact this Saturday night. It is about pride (for the Dynamo).
MP: Sporting Kansas City has played a “high press” style since 2011, and have been a good road team during that time. How would you describe their style of play and what areas will be important for a Dynamo win on Saturday.
GD: Their style is energetic, and maybe we call it a 4-3-3 (formation) against LA (last Sunday). They have lots of playmakers with (Graham) Zusi, (Benny) Feilhaber, (Dom) Dwyer, Davis and (Roger) Espinoza. They have a passionate, demanding coach in Peter Vermes. They also made a good addition with (center back/defensive midfielder) Nuno André Coelho from Portugal.
MP: The three Dynamo positions with the most change of late are center forward, left midfield, and attacking midfield. Owen Coyle has used multiple permutations, with Will Bruin and Giles Barnes up front, Leonel Miranda or Barnes on the left, and Chaco Maidana and Boniek Garcia in the No. 10 position. What are your thoughts on these various combinations, and which do you think Coyle could use Saturday, with the additional possibility of Erick Torres gaining his first start of the season as well?
GD: I think the manager Owen Coyle is looking for some combinations that will work based on the results.
Originally it was Maidana as the playmaker. I think the manager is looking for a response, and I think there is real opportunity for a singular player to step up and lead this team. The Dynamo need points and they need them now. I think there is a good chance Cubo (Torres) gets a start based on the effort off the bench at RSL (last Saturday). He looked lively, desired to go for goal and hit some wonderful passes. Could he be the singular player to turn things around?
MP:Bonus question: We’ve discussed it several times before, but again describe the wonderful story of Leicester City clinching their first English Premier League title on Monday, and its impact on the game of soccer?
GD: Leicester City winning the Premier League was fantastic for the sport. They were 5000-1 odds to win, but more importantly it was a number of journeymen players coming together under (manager) Claudio Ranieri. It is a tremendous example to the world of sports on "team". In a world of social media, individual player branding and self, it is great to see this team conquest against such long odds! The Foxes story went worldwide because of the popularity of the Premier League and the global nature of the game. Leicester also now has raised the bar for those Premier League teams that just seek the safety of staying up. Long live the Foxes!
