Houston Dynamo vs. Minnesota United | 2020 MLS Match Preview

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 12
Houston Dynamo vs. Minnesota United
BBVA Stadium – Houston
September 19 – 8:00 PM ET

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada

LOCAL TV: QuestTEXAS Ch. 55, FOX Sports North Plus

On the heels of one-goal defeats in Week 11, the Houston Dynamo and Minnesota United look to bounce back when the Western Conference foes square off again at BBVA Stadium Saturday night.

The Dynamo had their six-match unbeaten streak snapped following a 2-1 Texas Derby defeat at FC Dallas, while Minnesota United, which had won back-to-back games, dropped a 1-0 decision to Sporting KC. 

The Dynamo have not conceded in three consecutive home wins over the Loons, including a 3-0 victory Sept. 2 in which Darwin Quintero scored against his former club and Ariel Lassiter hit for his first two Dynamo goals.

Houston Dynamo

The Dynamo tasted defeat for the first time in nearly two months Saturday in Frisco with a loss to fierce rival FC Dallas. Now it appears they're on the verge of losing an important attacking piece with Alberth Elis reportedly close to transferring to Portuguese side Boavista, where he'll join former FC Dallas rival Reggie Cannon, according to Honduran outlet Diario Diez.

Houston are also close to landing Elis' replacement, though, a completed medical the final barrier to signing 21-year-old Argentine forward forward Mateo Bajamich. He has nine goals in 29 matches since joining Instituto's first team in 2019. They compete in Primera B Nacional, the second flight of professional soccer in Argentina.

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Michael Salazar (F) - right knee injury
  • QUESTIONABLE: Wilfried Zahibo (M) - right thigh injury
• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: Maynor Figueroa (D), Boniek Garcia (M)
• International duty: None

Minnesota United

The Dynamo are apparently not the only team on the pitch Saturday night at BBVA Stadium in search of attacking help. Minnesota United have become thin at that position due to a rash of injuries and on Friday, reportedly, went out and traded for one of the league's all-time best in that position in Kei Kamara. Fifth all-time with 129 goals, Kamara has played in MLS since 2006 and Minnesota would become his eighth different team.

Although not official yet, its a move confirmed by Rapids coach Robin Fraser in his video conference call with reporters. 

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Tyler Miller (GK) - hip injury
  • OUT: Ike Opara (D) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Ethan Finlay (M) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Osvaldo Alonso (M) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Greg Ranjitsingh (GK) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Luis Amarilla (F) - undisclosed injury
  • QUESTIONABLE: Aaron Schoenfeld (F) - undisclosed injury
  • QUESTIONABLE: Jacori Hayes (M) - undisclosed injury
• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: Jose Aja (D)
• International duty: None

Series Matchup at Dynamo

• Dynamo: 4 wins, 12 goals
• Minnesota United: 0 wins, 3 goals
• 1 draw

Officials

• Referee: Victor Rivas
• Assistant Referees: Frank Anderson, Gjovalin Bori
• 4th Official: Chris Ruska
• VAR: Luis Guardia