We preview tonight’s game against the Real Salt Lake with Dynamo broadcaster Glenn Davis. Tickets are available for tonight's game. The match will air on ROOT SPORTS Southwest (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 more daily soccer content from Davis on his Soccer Matters Facebook page and Twitter.
Matt Pedersen: The Dynamo produced a 90-minute performance in Saturday's 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. Four days later, the team conceded two second-half goals in a disappointing 3-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. What can you make of the inconsistency within the team in the two performances?
Glenn Davis: It was an excellent overall performance against Sporting KC, but to then turn around and struggle as the Dynamo did at San Jose was hugely disappointing. The inconsistency on the road and in team performances dates back a few years now, so sadly this has become habitual. It is hard to put a finger on why this team struggles to get results on the road. Getting it done away from home was a big target for the club this year and some players just don't seem to be able to find their road game.
MP:The substitutes brought energy in Wednesday's loss, with Boniek Garcia, Leonel Miranda and Erick Torres entering the game simultaneously midway through the second half. What did you think of the substitutes' performance after the Dynamo started slowly in the second half?
GD: It was three changes from Owen Coyle with a chance to turn the game around. The three players helped the Dynamo to the best phase of play in this game, up until the third goal (from San Jose). Torres, Boniek and Miranda brought energy and a bit of fearlessness, and they forced a response from the Quakes. The Dynamo got in and around the penalty area more when these three came on.
MP: RSL forward Joao Plata is back from a hip flexor injury and played 32 minutes in RSL's 1-0 loss at Colorado last Saturday. What does Plata bring to the RSL attack and how does his play enhance the other attacking options, including Javier Morales, Juan "Burrito" Martinez and Yura Movsisyan?
GD: This guy is like an energized flea. His movement, tight control and desire to make things happen make him one of the go-to guys to watch in MLS. Not to mention that he is small in height, but powerfully built and low to the ground. I would not be surprised to see him in the starting lineup based on the shutout loss to Colorado. He pulls defenses apart with and without the ball and others gain the benefit.
MP: Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando is in his 16th MLS season and has set a league record with 125 shutouts and is second all-time with 402 regular-season starts and 176 wins. He's been a favorite of Jurgen Klinsmann with the national team and has won many games for RSL over the years. What can you say about Morales, who seemingly gives hope to all undersized goalkeepers?
GD: That is the beauty of Rimando, in that he is not the typical size for a goalkeeper. He accents other areas of the game, with cat-like reflexes as a shot stopper, and as good as it gets with his feet for a goalkeeper in MLS. He also has a tremendous body of experience and provides that wonderful confidence to a back four. Rimando also is always very aware of the time relative to the score, so he manages the game effectively from the goalkeeper position. He also has a remarkable amount of penalty kick saves in his career.
