I don't know what to really think of the creamsicles coming to town.  I do think it's great that ESPN will be broadcasting and of course there should be a good crowd because of the fireworks, but Houston always seems like such an enigma to me.  The win the Cup, but yet don't seem to play terribly well through the year.  That may just be my impression, but they don't seem to just destroy their opponents like you would think they should.  The just seemt o get by and then win in the playoffs.

They have a lot of solid players, a great core to their team.  I just checked the stats and it seems the mighty Hawaiian forehead (Brian Ching) has six goals this year.  I was surprised by that, it has seemed that even though he's been playing pretty well for the US on the international level, he's sort of back-burnered MLS.  Guess not.  De Rosario as well.  DeRo can shred a defense and do some pretty amazing things, it just seems that he doesn't do that as often as he's probably capable. 

What can be said about Houston is that they have a sold defense.  They always have.  Vanilla Onstad, even if he has that hairstyle is still one of the top keepers in the league.  Their backline is solid, but maybe a step slow.  I don't know if they can both body up with Deuchar and deal with Findley's speed, but more telling than anything will be whether RSL can finish their chances or not.  Ching and DeRo, if given an open shot will both bury them.  I'm just glad they no longer have Nate Jaqua.

Houston just played a 120 minute match on Tuesday against the Charleston Battery in Open Cup play, losing on penalties.  Hopefully between the long match two days ago, travel and then the carpet and altitude of RES, RSL gets a distinct advantage and comes away with 3 points.  I am going to call this one 2-1 for RSL.

        

 

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