Welcome to tonight’s SuperLiga semifinal match between the Houston Dynamo and Monarcas Morelia from Mexico. The Dynamo are here after topping Group A, coming ahead of Chivas USA, Pachuca, and Pueble. Morelia came in second place in Group B, falling behind the New England Revolution while besting the Chicago Fire and Pumas UNAM. The winner of tonight’s match will travel to New England to take on the Revolution in the championship match. The weather in Houston tonight is warm and muggy following a typically long and hot August week. There are some storms in the area, but this game should not be affected by the rain.
Monarcas Morelia are expected to field a full-strength line-up for tonight’s match, despite having an important game this coming weekend. Injuries and suspensions, along with a very important game on Sunday against the Seattle Sounders, are creating line-up issues for Dynamo Head Coach Dominic Kinnear. However, the Dynamo should be boosted by the inclusion of forward Dominic Oduro, who successfully won his appeal against a red card received in the Puebla match, and the return of utility player Geoff Cameron, who is returning for a knee injury. Houston’s plan of attack against Morelia will be to come out and attack early and try and take control of the game very quickly. The Houston Dynamo have struggled controlling both their nerves and the game over the last few weeks and are hoping that this tournament will give them a chance to settle down a bit and return to form in league play.