D.C. United return to MLS action this weekend and travel to Texas to take on the Houston Dynamo on Saturday at 9 PM ET on NewsChannel 8. Upon Houston’s transition from the Eastern to Western Conference in 2015, the matchup will mark the only 2016 regular season meeting between the two playoff rivals.
Head coach Ben Olsen will turn to former Dynamo defender and United captain Bobby Boswell to keep Houston’s offense at bay. Boswell, who began his MLS career with D.C. United in 2005 after signing as an undrafted free agent, played 177 matches for the Dynamo from 2008 through 2013. “It’s a great place to play, I love the city of Houston and the fans,” Boswell said of his timein Houston. “I had some great years of my life there. It’s a fun trip, but when the whistle blows, it’s all about business.”
The six-foot-two Florida native, a highly-decorated defender and one of the most experienced players in the league, is known for his physicality against opposing attackers and his ability to circumvent an offense. A staunch defensive showing from him and partner in central defense Kofi Opare will be vital in order for United to earn a result after the Copa América break.
“We just need to start on the right foot,” Boswell said . “We’re not exactly happy with how the first part of the season went, but there’s room for improvement and we know that.”
Saturday marks the 23rd career meeting of the two clubs. With 16 points and a 4-6-4 record, D.C. will look to start the remainder of the season strong after the Copa hiatus and their Open Cup loss against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Wednesday. United forward Álvaro Saborío has rejoined the team after Costa Rica’s exit from the tournament, while central defender Steven Birnbaum will miss his third match due to USMNT duty.
“The biggest thing for us is that we have an opportunity to go and set the tone for what we want to do in the remainder of the season,” Boswell said. “It’s a tough place to go and get a result, but it’s something we have to do if we want to have a successful season.“
On Saturday, Boswell and Opare will have their hands full containing Dynamo forward Giles Barnes. Barnes, an explosive player with great speed and finishing ability, has scored four goals in 10 matches for Houston this season. The battle between Boswell and Barnes should have a major impact on the outcome of the match. Boswell will hope to take away the threat of Barnes’ speed by denying him any room to operate and preventing crosses from reaching the Dynamo attacker.
United goalkeeper Tally Hall, backup to starter Bill Hamid, began his career with the Dynamo and spent six of his eight years in MLS in a Houston uniform. While in Houston, Hall recorded 367 total saves and 35 shutouts in 130 games played. After rupturing his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in 2014, Saturday will mark his second time returning to BBVA Compass Stadium—and the first time in a Red-and-Black uniform.
The Dynamo currently sit in last place in the Western conference, having earned only 13 points and nursing a 3-7-4 record in 2016. However, with their 4-0 victory against San Antonio FC on Wednesday night, the Dynamo enter Saturday’s match having secured their spot in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. The Black-and-Red will look to strike early and prevent the Dynamo from improving upon their winning record against D.C. at home.
