Since Houston has played just once since welast dissected the Dynamo, it makes little sense to repeat the exercise sosoon. Instead, let's take a lookback at the 'Breakdown' itself from days before D.C. United's 3-2 win overHouston back on April 28.
IN ATTACK
What we said:
The Dynamo rely heavily on dead balls or servicefrom the wings, and when those situations arise they can be lethal. IfD.C. can disrupt this trend, the Black-and-Red will have taken the edge off theDynamo's most dangerous offensive weapon.
What actually happened:
D.C. committed a season-low nine fouls, soHouston's set piece opportunities were kept to a minimum. The Dynamo executed their few chanceswell, but United's defense was efficient in an area where it had previouslystruggled. Houston did score froma cross, as Will Bruin headed home service from Jermaine Taylor on the leftwing in the 59th minute. Not having Brad Davis for the full ninety hurt the Dynamo here, but the midfielder should return for Saturday's encounter.
What we said:
Will Bruin - who scored a hat trick last yearagainst D.C. - is by far the more mobile, and therefore, dangerous of Houston'sforward pair. Based on their performance against other target forwards,United's central backs should match-up favorably against Brian Ching.
What actually happened:
Bruin scored twice and was generally a handfulfor United's defense, especially once Emiliano Dudar left the match with ahamstring injury. Dudar won't bethere again on Saturday, so the rest of D.C.'s back four has their work cut outfor them. Ching failed to registera goal, assist or even a shot in his ninety minutes at RFK.
IN DEFENSE
What we said:
Houston is extremely organized in defense and ifan opponent's attack stalls in the least, it is likely a lost cause. Centrally, the aforementioned Cameron teams with Bobby Boswell to give theDynamo one of the most physically imposing central back combinations in theleague.
What actually happened:
Boswell may have been 'imposing' when yelling atChris Pontius in the 23rd minute, but it proved to be more bite than bark fromHouston's defense. All three D.C.goals came via aerial service into the Dynamo box, and Maicon Santos was leftcompletely unmarked on his game-winning header. If United's front line find as much space again this weekend, expect a similar offensive output.
What we said:
For all the Dynamo's defensive qualities, theirback four is not the fleetest of foot. Given the chance to go one-on-one,guys like Nick DeLeon and Chris Pontius could have big days operating against Andre Hainault and Jermaine Taylor.
What actually happened:
Pontius' speed unhinged the Houston defense onD.C.'s first goal as the Californian beat Tally Hall before picking outSantos. Though he wasn't creditedon United's second goal, it was Pontius' run through the box that wrong-footedHall as Dwayne De Rosario's cross skipped in. DeLeon, who has been ruled doubtful for Saturday, had a relatively quiet evening (0 g, 0a, 2 shots).
