The first time this season that the Houston Dynamo returned to the franchise’s previous home in San Jose, the players were perhaps more focused on the occasion than the soccer. “It was supposed to be a special night for many Dynamo players who either grew up in the San Jose area or through the years came to call it home,” writes Bernardo Fallas. But some seemed more intent on getting tickets for their friends and families than the game, which the Dynamo lost 2-1.
This weekend will be different, with both the Dynamo and the Quakes having undergone major offensive transformations in the months since. Houston’s re-acquisition of Nate Jaqua and a trade for the Quakes’ Kei Kamara (who scored for San Jose in that first meeting) have helped fire the Dynamo attack this past month. The revamped Quakes have added Arturo Alvarez (three goals) in midfield and Darren Huckerby (four goals and four assists in seven games) in attack to belatedly kickstart their season, not to mention Scott Sealy (one goal, three assists) from the Wizards.
“I think the guys are probably looking forward to going there, because the last time around we were disappointed walking off the field for a number of reasons, the result being number one,” said coach Dominic Kinnear. “But also how we came to get that result.” The team is now looking ahead to a potentially record-breaking third consecutive MLS Cup and, says Fallas, “need to prove to themselves they have the right frame of mind and focus to get there, no matter the who, the where or the distractions. In that sense, there is no better place to do it than the Bay Area.”