Houston Dynamo Hou vs Real Salt Lake Real Picks and Predictions September 14th 2024

Real Salt Lake Aims to Break Houston Curse and Boost Playoff Chances

This Saturday, Real Salt Lake (RSL) heads to Texas to take on Houston Dynamo FC in a critical late-season showdown. Both teams are in the thick of the playoff race in the Western Conference, and as the MLS season nears its end, every point matters more than ever. The stakes are especially high for RSL, who will be looking to secure their first win in Houston since 2018.

A Rivalry of Close Calls

In their long-running rivalry, Real Salt Lake and Houston have traded victories over the years. RSL holds a slim advantage in the all-time regular-season series with a 14-13-11 record. Earlier this year, RSL won a tight 3-2 match at home, but Houston got their revenge during the Leagues Cup in August, shutting RSL out with a 3-0 win. Unfortunately for Salt Lake, winning on Houston’s turf has been a different story. It’s been five long years since RSL walked away with a win in Texas, and breaking that streak won’t be easy as they fight for crucial playoff points.

Houston Dynamo’s Playoff Charge

As it stands, Houston Dynamo (11-8-8, 41 points) sits seventh in the Western Conference—right on the bubble of playoff qualification. They’re just one point ahead of the Portland Timbers and one behind the Vancouver Whitecaps. With only seven games left, the pressure is on, as the difference between fourth and eighth place in the West is just four points. Every match counts, and Houston is eager to lock down their postseason spot.

Houston’s Recent Form: The Dynamo have been steady since their return from the Leagues Cup, earning points in two out of their last three matches. After a tough 2-1 loss at home to Toronto FC in August, Houston bounced back with a 1-0 win on the road against LAFC. They followed that up with a 0-0 draw against the same LAFC squad, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Houston’s Key Players to Watch

• Ibrahim Aliyu: The team’s top scorer with six goals, Aliyu is a constant threat in front of goal.
• Amine Bassi: Bassi leads the team in assists, with seven to his name, making him the creative force behind Houston’s attack.
• Héctor Herrera: While not the top scorer or assist-maker, Herrera is the heartbeat of the team. As Dynamo coach Ben Olsen puts it, “We go as Hector goes.” His leadership and playmaking from midfield are pivotal to Houston’s success.

Defense Wins Games

Houston’s defense has been their secret weapon this season. They’ve conceded just 31 goals—the fewest in the Western Conference and the third-fewest across the entire MLS. If they can keep that defensive wall intact, it’ll be tough for any team to break through, especially an RSL team missing one of their key attackers.

Real Salt Lake’s Rollercoaster Season

Real Salt Lake (13-6-8, 47 points) finds itself in a solid third place in the West, just one point behind LAFC and three points clear of the fourth-placed Colorado Rapids. That said, their form has been inconsistent since returning from the Leagues Cup. In their last five league matches, RSL has only managed one win, along with three losses and a draw. However, they come into this game with some momentum after a 2-0 home victory over the New England Revolution at the end of August.

Recent Form: After struggling for a few games, RSL will feel encouraged by their recent 2-0 win against New England, thanks to goals from Anderson Julio and Philip Quinton. However, maintaining that momentum on the road will be crucial as they look to lock down a high playoff seed.

Real Salt Lake’s Key Players

• Cristian Arango: Arango has been RSL’s go-to man in front of goal, scoring 17 times this season—the second most in MLS. However, a hamstring injury could keep him out of Saturday’s clash, which would be a big blow to RSL’s attack.
• Diego Luna: With Arango sidelined, the creative burden will fall on Luna, who leads the team with 12 assists. If RSL is going to break through Houston’s tough defense, Luna will need to be at his best.

Team Focus: Grit and Grind

Head coach Pablo Mastroeni has emphasized teamwork as RSL approaches the final stretch of the season. “When you have 11 guys working hard for each other on both sides of the ball, their quality shines through,” Mastroeni said. This match against Houston will be a true test of their resilience and unity as they aim to strengthen their playoff position.

Clash of Styles: Defense vs. Offense

Saturday’s matchup will feature a fascinating battle between Houston’s rock-solid defense and RSL’s attack-minded approach. With Arango likely unavailable, RSL will have to dig deep into their squad depth, relying on players like Anderson Julio and Diego Luna to pick up the slack.

Houston, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage, where they’ve been strong all season. Their ability to maintain defensive discipline while picking their moments to attack will be key to their success. Much of their creativity will flow through Héctor Herrera in midfield, while Ibrahim Aliyu and Amine Bassi will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in RSL’s defense.

Key Factors to Watch

1. Houston’s Home Advantage: RSL hasn’t won in Houston since 2018, and the Dynamo will look to extend that streak. Their strong home form, combined with vocal support from the fans, could give them the edge they need.
2. Arango’s Absence: Without their top scorer, RSL may need to shift their approach. Coach Mastroeni could opt for a more conservative game plan, focusing on counterattacks and set pieces to break down Houston’s defense.
3. Defensive Battle: Houston’s backline will be under pressure from RSL’s midfield creators. If RSL can stretch Houston’s defense, it could open up space for players like Julio to get on the scoresheet.

Game Prediction: A Tight Contest

While RSL is higher up in the standings and boasts a talented roster, Houston’s home form and defensive resilience give them the upper hand. With Cristian Arango likely unavailable for Salt Lake, it’s hard to see them breaking down Houston’s defense. Expect a low-scoring game, where a single goal could be the difference between victory and defeat.

Final Score Prediction: Houston Dynamo 1-0 Real Salt Lake

With so much on the line in the playoff race, this game promises to be a tense and physical battle. Both teams know what’s at stake, and a win here could be a massive boost to their postseason hopes.