HOUSTON - With Houston Dynamo on a three-game losing skid and FC Dallas sitting in first place in the Western Conference, Sunday's matchup at Robertson Stadium is more than just a rivalry game.
The Orange finally got on the board against D.C. United, but the result was the same, and that is something Houston wants to change.
"I think we're all ready to get back on the right track," said defender Ryan Cochrane. "We've struggled so far, there's no doubt about that, and they have been playing well right now. I think it's going to be a great game. Everyone is going to be up for it. It's a rivalry game. It's a game for us to get back on track, which is what we need to do right now."
The game with the Hoops is even more important for Houston after looking at the standings. With two games in hand on FC Dallas, Dynamo trail the Hoops by nine points.
"It's a game we need to win," said midfielder Richard Mulrooney. "We've dropped some games, and teams are gaining points on us or going past us. We need some points right now. Dallas is the top team in the west, and the best team in the conference right now. It's a good game for us confidence-wise and to gain some points. Since they are in the Western Conference, it's a six-point swing instead of a three-point swing."
With the CONCACAF Gold Cup approaching, Houston has already lost Dwayne De Rosario to the Canadian national team. How Dynamo will fill the hole left by De Rosario will be seen on Sunday, but head coach Dominic Kinnear had some ideas after Friday's practice for what he might do.
"Maybe we slide Richard (Mulrooney) in there. Maybe we slide Brad (Davis) in the middle with Rico (Ricardo Clark). Rico is going to be in the middle. Maybe Stuart (Holden) comes in on the left," Kinnear said.
"We're looking at different options right now, but if that's the case with Richard and Rico, then you just make sure that one of them can get forward, but always make sure that one stays behind. Those are two guys that are always good with the ball. We'll have good mobility there."
Despite the three-game slide and drop in the standings to fourth, the Orange haven't lost their confidence and still believe in themselves and their teammates.
"We still have confidence," Mulrooney said. "We're trying stuff that we normally do. I think it's just a little unfortunate. You create your own luck. I'd say it's more of a lack of mentality - that killer instinct. I think we're knocking the ball around well. I have confidence in my teammates whether we play tomorrow or in a week or in a year. This team can get it done. It's a matter of a little more focus to get to that point."
Houston went 2-1-1 against the Hoops last season winning both games in Houston, 4-3 and 3-0. May is over, and Dynamo see this as a chance to get back on the winning track.
"We have to keep the goals out of our own net," Cochrane said. "We're a very defensive team and when we get the ball, we like to attack. On both sides of the ball, we haven't been as sharp as we were last year. No excuses. We just need to keep chipping away at it, and hopefully Sunday is the day we get back on track."
Jeremy Rakes is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
