By Ridge Mahoney
So impressive was Houston against Colorado that it might be considered to be the favorite in MLS Cup, and it could have a few thousand fans making the four-hour trip to Dallas as well.
But with midfielder Ricardo Clark suspended because his caution against the Rapids was his second of the playoffs, midfield control might fall to New England, which might mean a lot of opportunities for Taylor Twellman and Pat Noonan and Andy Dorman to breach the Dynamo back line, not to mention Clint Dempsey, if he’s healthy.
Houston coach Dominic Kinnear moved Adrian Serioux from defensive midfielder to center back during the season. He could replace Clark with Serioux, and then would need another central defensive partner for Eddie Robinson, which could be Craig Waibel, but then he’d also need a replacement at right back for Waibel.
“Adrian is still kind of learning a new position,” says Robinson of the Canadian international originally signed in preseason by the New York Red Bulls. “It’s his first year there.”
Kinnear’s choices at central midfield include Stuart Holden and Chris Wondolowski. Kelly Gray played a lot of right back last year in San Jose, but registered just 868 minutes this season. Ryan Cochrane has played twice as a sub during the playoffs; Kinnear could use him in central defense with Robinson if Serioux goes back into midfield.