Ben Olsen, head coach of Houston Dynamo, anticipates the team will transfer their recent successes from the road to their home showdown against Seattle Sounders this Thursday.
Currently, Houston boasts a two-game unbeaten streak away from the Shell Energy Stadium, securing draws against Atlanta United and Portland Timbers.
Nonetheless, at their home ground this season, the team has clinched only three victories in their past 12 games. This string of outcomes pegs them at seventh in the Western Conference, tied in points with Austin FC.
Olsen praised his team’s latest performance but emphasized the need for enhanced play in their upcoming match.
Olsen remarked on the shortcomings, “The goals we gave up came from our own naive mistakes. The road has shown us in good form despite these hiccups.”
“Yet resilience allowed us to salvage something from what wasn’t our finest match,” he added. “Now, facing Seattle at home, we must elevate our game, crafting sharper performances both from myself and the squad.”
Seattle, on the other hand, marches into the game riding the high of a stellar victory over Minnesota United — their fifth win this season.
While July 2023 marked the last instance of back-to-back regular-season wins for the Sounders, the team is optimistic after suffering only one defeat in their latest five MLS bouts.
Coach Brian Schmetzer of Seattle commented, “After reviewing the game footage and ensuring our team’s recovery, we are prepared. Our lineup is robust, and the shorter gap between games this week gives us a tactical edge.”
“We’re heading to Houston with the aim to seize crucial points,” he added confidently.
PLAYO spotlights:
Houston Dynamo – Latif Blessing
Blessing’s crucial late goal against Atlanta marks his third in four games, turning a new leaf for a player who had previously scored just three in 110 league appearances.
Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris
Morris is on a promising scoring spree, having netted four times in his recent five matches, eager to extend his record beyond the two consecutive game stints.
GAME FORECAST: HOUSTON TRIUMPH
The Dynamo have shown resilience, bouncing back after earlier struggles with three consecutive matches without a loss. Their recent two fixtures both ended in 2-2 draws.
Despite mixed results in recent MLS outings, Dynamo’s record against Seattle, especially at Shell Energy Arena, is formidable.
Seattle, despite their past dominance over Houston in playoffs and regular seasons, may find the upcoming contest at Houston a tough nut to crack.
Win likelihood (OPTA predictions):
Houston – 48.1%
Draw – 25.9%
Seattle – 25.9%
