The primary MLS playoff recreation of the 2012 season options the Houston Dynamo, led by the good Dominic Kinnear, heading to the Windy Metropolis for a one-and-done date with the Chicago Fireplace.
BY
Maura Gladys
Posted
October 31, 2012
7:39 AM
SHARE THIS STORY
Editor’s notice: ASN will preview each MLS playoff match/sequence. Create your superb Beginning XI for the Chicago Fireplace or the Houston Dynamo.
INTRO: The primary recreation of the 2012 MLS Playoffs (Wednesday, 9pm ET, ESPN2) options two groups colliding with one another from very completely different instructions. No. 4 seed Chicago Fireplace have been in a free fall, whereas the fifth-seeded Houston Dynamo are a rested, centered membership with veteran expertise and the league’s greatest playoff coach. Chicago has gained simply considered one of its final 5 video games, most lately drawing DC United, 1-1, a trajectory that has despatched the Fireplace to this one-and-done state of affairs. Houston completed the season robust, occurring a three-game unbeaten streak earlier than dropping to Colorado within the season finale. Chicago’s Toyota Park hosts the match, an enormous increase for the Fireplace, if solely as a result of it retains the membership from touring to BBVA Compass Stadium—the place the Dynamo are undefeated this season.
HISTORY: The groups performed three matches in 2012, however solely two of them went the total 90 minutes. The primary assembly got here on April 15 in Chicago, however lightning halted the 1-1 draw after a little bit greater than an hour. The squads performed to a scoreless tie in Houston on July third, with neither staff creating a lot offense. Chicago lastly broke the impasse within the remaining tilt, successful 3-1 at residence with objectives from Patrick Nyarko, Brian Ching, and Alex.
MATCHUPS: Each groups boast robust goalkeepers in Houston’s Tally Corridor and the Fireplace’s Sean Johnson. The consequence might come down as to if Chicago’s struggling offense can discover a well past Corridor, and Houston’s capability to transform set items in opposition to Johnson.
Chicago’s Sherjill Macdonald, Alvaro Fernandez, and Gonzalo Segares all missed sitters in opposition to DC United final weekend. In the event that they discover their type, Corridor will likely be in for an extended day. However Corridor additionally has the chance and skill to stymie and frustrate the Fireplace offense, dealing an already fragile staff one other psychological blow. On the different finish, Houston loves scoring objectives off lifeless ball scenario with 6’4” Mac Kandji and 6’2” Will Bruin dominating the airspace. Johnson should be particularly aggressive Wednesday evening.
One other key matchup is Houston’s left facet. Macoumba Kandji is an enigma going into each recreation. If he’s on level, Chicago’s proper facet—fullback Jalil Anibaba and both Patrick Nyarko or Alvaro Fernandez—will spend most of their power attempting to corral him. But when it’s a foul evening for the Houston ahead, the Fireplace can exploit him when counterattacking.
The largest key for the groups will probably be relaxation. Chicago began its greatest XI in opposition to United and failed to choose up three factors. They solely have a number of days to get well and plan.
“I want a week to prepare for sure, it would be a lot better than a quick turnaround like this,” mentioned Fireplace supervisor Frank Klopas after the Fireplace’s draw over the weekend. “The good thing is that we are at home and don’t have to travel. We have to get ready to play a very good team.”
Houston, alternatively, knew going into the season finale with Colorado that they’d end the 12 months in fifth place. A lineup consisting largely of reserves fell 2-0 to the Colorado Rapids.
“We’re simply going to want to remain optimistic,” coach Dominic Kinnear mentioned. “We had a good season so I’m just looking forward to Wednesday.”
Along with rested our bodies, the Dynamo have the genius playoff thoughts of Kinnear. The supervisor has two MLS Cups to his title, together with two extra ones from his time as a San Jose Earthquake assistant coach. If there’s anybody that know methods to win a one-shot playoff recreation, it’s Kinnear.
TACTICS: The Fireplace play a 4-2-3-1 with Arne Friedrich marshaling the backline alongside rookie standout Austin Berry. Pavel Pardo and Logan Pause management the midfield from deep-lying positions whereas Chris Rolfe runs issues up entrance, organising goal ahead Macdonald.
Houston runs a 4-3-3 with Ricardo Clark holding down the fort within the midfield as Brad Davis and Oscar Boniek Garcia roam freely. Their passing and fluidity are keys to the Dynamo offense, and Bruin and Kandji typically reap the advantages of their creativity.
In earlier conferences, each groups performed very measured, cautious soccer, so search for that once more, particularly from Houston, who gained’t wish to get burned on the counter.
What do you assume? Will Houston go for a extra conservative method on the street? Will Chicago put extra pace on the wings to counter assault much more? Have your say in ASN’s Beginning XI device.
PREDICTION: Regardless of Chicago’s home-field benefit, count on Houston to return in quick and powerful. The Fireplace will nip a objective off of a counter, however Houston’s playmakers Davis and Garcia will likely be an excessive amount of for Chicago, and Corridor will protect the win. Prediction: 2-1 Houston.
READER FEEDBACK: Who would be the hero on this recreation? Will Chicago use their home-field benefit and cease their skid? Or will Houston come to Chi-town and dominate? Have your say within the feedback beneath.
Maura Gladys works in manufacturing for KICKTV. She additionally runs the goalkeeping weblog All You Want Is Glove.
