PACHUCA, MEXICO - The Houston Dynamo arrived in Pachuca, Mexico, Tuesday afternoon, just a little over 48 hours before the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions' Cup semifinal series against Pachuca FC.
Throughout the trip, the team looked relaxed, but focused, ahead of what is one of the most important games in its young but successful history.
"This game is extremely important for us," said Dynamo defender Craig Waibel. "We know that this is the second half of a 180-minute game. We just have to come in, play our game, and make sure we don't give them any advantages on the field, since they are a team that can turn things around very quickly."
Pachuca will come into Thursday's game riding on an emotional high. The Tuzos beat Veracruz 5-0 in their most recent Mexican First Division game, which keeps them at the top of the local standings.
"We feel very confident about our chances against (the Dynamo). We have a lot of respect for them, but also know what it is that we are capable of doing. A 0-2 deficit is difficult but not impossible to overcome. We just have to come out and play our game," said Pachuca midfielder Gabriel Caballero.
The Dynamo will have their first and only practice session in Pachuca's Hidalgo Stadium Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. CT.
The only absences the Men in Orange have for Thursday's game are Ricardo Clark and rookie Corey Ashe. Both stayed in Houston due to injury.
Kickoff for Thursday's game between the Dynamo and Pachuca FC is slated for 8:30 p.m. CT. Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports Espanol will carry the game live.
The Dynamo will return to Houston on Friday only to open its MLS regular season against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday, April 10. Tickets for this game, dubbed the "Return of the Champions", as part of the team's Champions Month, are still available. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call the Houston Dynamo at 713-276-7500, or log on to www.houstondynamo.com.
