There’s something about playing in Houston that feels familiar.
D.C. United has faced the Dynamo on the road just twice since the team moved from San Jose last season. But the field at Robertson Stadium, the reigning Major League Soccer champions’ home at the University of Houston, has a sneaking resemblance to the same cozy (read: narrow, congested) confines of Spartan Stadium, where the former Earthquakes always frustrated opponents.
“It’s the same sort of setup, the same tactics, and pretty much the same players,” said United midfielder Brian Carroll. “So it’s pretty much just a new city and a new uniform. We expect that going into a game down there.”
United, accustomed to extra width at RFK Stadium, has fallen by consecutive 1-0 margins both times it’s been to Southern Texas. To clinch a spot in the semifinals of the inaugural SuperLiga, D.C. will have to earn at least a draw, but preferably a victory.
“I don’t think you even think about [settling for a tie],” said Carroll. “Even though it’s an away game in Houston, you go in trying to win because you don’t want to have to rely on other people.”
Christian Gomez has beaten Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad with free kicks each time the Houston has been to RFK, and he’s shown spectacular form in United’s first two SuperLiga matches.
“It’s at a point where he’s so good, and he makes so many things happen that we’re just used to it,” said forward Rod Dyachenko. “Now we’re looking for bicycle kicks and 40-yard shots.”
Houston’s victory over D.C. less than a month ago had the feel of a playoff battle. Tonight’s match should be no different.
“I think we just know it’s an important game psychologically,” said Carroll. “The further you get in the year, you think you’re going to play these guys in a final or something like that, and you want to have an edge going into late in the season.”
SuperLiga
» D.C. United at Houston Dynamo
When » Tonight, 8
Where » Robertson Stadium, Houston
TV » TeleFutura
Radio » WMET 1160 AM, SRN (1540 AM, 1390 AM, 1600 AM and 1350 AM)
