Home at last. Sounders FC returns from its first road trip of the season in Dallas to take on another Texas team, the Houston Dynamo. To take a closer look at this weekend’s opponent, SoundersFC.com caught-up with Glenn Davis for the latest installment of From The Other Side. A longtime soccer broadcaster that has deep ties to the Houston soccer scene, Davis is the play-by-play man for Dynamo broadcasts and is the host of The Soccer Hour on Houston’s ESPN Radio affiliate.
Dangerman – Giles Barnes
He’s both a goal-scorer and a goal-provider. He was the team MVP last year and has the pace to get well behind defenders. He has played as an out-and-out striker and as a withdrawn forward.
The only concern this weekend is his travel back and forth representing Jamaica and playing against both Venezuela and Cuba.
You also have to watch out for MLS legend Brad Davis. He’s dangerous on set pieces and has a great soccer brain.
Boniek Garcia, who has been out with the Honduran National team, is also dangerous. Off the dribble, he can really make things happen in the attacking third and he is being encouraged to do that by the manager.
Player to Keep an Eye on in 2015 – Tyler Deric
This is one guy who has really lit up the league in 2015.
He’s been an understudy and a backup for many, many years under Tally Hall, which means we’ve been able to watch him grow and mature here. He’s got all the qualities he needs to be a solid keeper. He’s already gotten Save of the Week twice this season, and he’s finally getting his chance through a patient process and is doing well as a goalkeeper for the Dynamo. Size, command of his penalty area and an excellent shot stopper!
Favorite Stat of the Season
Goals conceded. The Dynamo has limited it to two [goals] so far this season. Last year, the team struggled defensively with its shape and to be truthful gave-up many elementary goals. The stability has been restored in that area and they’ve only given-up two goals in four games.
Three Thoughts for #SEAvHOU
1.) Returning players: Dynamo get four internationals back this week and Seattle will be returning a few of its big names. All of these players can influence on the pitch. 

2.) The environment: We all know it’s a pretty amazing atmosphere in Seattle. There are many challenges for a team on the road. For the visitors, the turf will also be an adjustment, so that’s something they’ll have to overcome. 

3.) Finally, it has to be asked whether the Dynamo can produce more in the attacking third of the field and be more goal-dangerous. They’ve only scored two goals in four games, so this is something that has been posed weekly. The team is far from panic mode; they’ve debuted 11 new players and are working under a new head coach, so you need to have some patience as the season moves forward. 

Key Matchup
For me, it’s really about who wins the middle third of the field. The Dynamo need to have a galvanizing effort in this area and match Seattle in order to maintain some control over the game and position themselves to take a points on the road.
