HOUSTON - It's been 11 days since Houston Dynamo have played a game, but the Orange return to the field on Wednesday night in Toronto looking to extend their winning streak and gain more ground in the standings.
After Houston's 3-1 win against Colorado on May 5, Dynamo have had time to relax in Colorado at the Anschutz ranch and Alejandro Moreno was dealt to Columbus.
Time off and one deal later, Houston is ready to play.
"We're looking to build on the win," said goalkeeper Pat Onstad. "The win was big, but more importantly, we played well. We're five games in. I think the first couple of games, we didn't play at the level we are capable of playing at, and I thought we did in Colorado. Hopefully, we'll play that way again, and if we do that, then we have a great chance to get a win."
But to the casual spectator, Toronto FC don't look like a dangerous team. That first look, however, would be wrong. The expansion club is coming off a 3-1 win at home against Chicago and the Orange know Toronto has to be taken seriously.
"You have to look at what they did in their last game," said head coach Dominic Kinnear. "It was a good performance by them. You knew they were going to get a win somewhere. I think from a league point of view, you want it to come before their home fans because it makes the excitement better for the next time out.
"For us, we'll watch the video and try to point out some strengths and weaknesses. We'll try to take their strengths out head on and try to exploit some weaknesses. They are an expansion team only by name, but what they have on their roster is not an expansion team. You knew they were going to be difficult to play. The win is only going to give them more confidence for our game and games to come."
The rest could play a factor for Houston, but defender Eddie Robinson thinks the time off can only help the team.
"I think it can only help as far as injuries and nicks and knocks," Robinson said. "Guys are anxious to step on the field on Wednesday to get out there and play because it has been awhile since we have really had that competitive 90-minute game, so I think really helps."
Going to Toronto will be a homecoming for Onstad and midfielder Dwayne De Rosario, who both are from Canada and have been looking forward to playing a professional game in their home country.
"Dwayne and I are going back to our home country to play in a soccer-specific stadium, which we have never had before," Onstad said. "I'm only focused on the Toronto game. I'm just looking forward to what should be a great experience for me and Dwayne and the whole team as well.
"I'm looking forward to it. I have friends and family coming over from Vancouver on a five hour flight just to watch me play. It's exciting. Going to be a lot of fun to see my sister, who I haven't seen in years. I'm looking forward to it."
Dynamo know they are going up to Toronto to get a win and three points, but they know Toronto is going to be a tough place to play.
"If (Saturday) is any sign of things to come as far as atmosphere goes, I think it's going to be a real good time," Robinson said. "I'm really looking forward to going up there and playing. We're looking forward to it. We're trying to build on the win in Colorado and get a streak going because we have games in hand on teams, and they don't mean anything unless you get points when you are making up those games, so we're going to definitely try to make up some ground this week."
Jeremy Rakes is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
