Talking Strategy: D.C. United vs Houston Dynamo

D.C. United (15-9-7) heads to Houston having clinched a playoff spot and turned its focus on winning the East. The Dynamo (11-14-6), coming off a crucial 1-0 midweek win over Toronto FC, has to continue its winning form to reach the postseason while the Black-and-Red aims to keep its momentum rolling with results from its final three regular season matches.

“It was a huge result for them in Toronto,” said Goalkeeping Coach Preston Burpo. “They still have some life. From our side, getting three positive results taking us into November is obviously the thought process.”

Though United has never won a match at BBVA Compass Stadium, Burpo says, with this new group of guys, that’s not on their mind.

“What happened in the past is the past. The one recent past game, I’m sure people remember the taste of that and how we make a few mistakes at the end of the game there to lose and not walk away with a point.”

Having faced Houston twice this season (1-1-0), the Black-and-Red expects a defensive battle on the road.

“Defensively, you see what we brought last week against Kansas City, they have a couple real chances against us,” he said. “So, we need to stay tuned in as far as dealing with Giles Barnes coming at us 1v1, crosses from the run of play, free kicks.”

Coming out of last weekend’s 0-0 draw, Burpo said, aside from earning a playoff spot and the shutout, a positive from the match were the chances created.

“Ideally, we will have a little possession, move them around a little, make sure we get our attacking guys in good spots to have a chance to score,” he said.”

Put simply, these next three results matter, starting with Sunday against Houston.

“If we win this game and a result or two go our way we can wrap up First Place,” Burpo said. “That’s a big deal to everyone in this club.”

Tune in at 3 pm on Sunday, October 12 at 3 pm on dcunited.com/live.