Houston

Dynamo, Earthquakes look for first win since opening week (Apr 12, 2018)

Published Apr. 12, 2018 11:07 p.m. ET

Houston Dynamo players have had some extra time to consider a perplexing loss.

Houston, which is coming off a bye week, fell 2-0 to New England on March 31, and has now lost twice in a row at home, a year after going 12-1-4 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

"This extra week gives us an opportunity to correct that stuff and harp on it and really figure out what the issues are and solve them," goalkeeper Chris Seitz said, according to the MLS website. "It gives us extra time to really work out those kinks and get back on the field and be a better version of ourselves."

The Dynamo (1-2-1) travel to San Jose this week to face the Earthquakes (1-2-1) on Saturday at Avaya Stadium.

Houston has outshot its opponents in both losses but scored just once. Head coach Wilmer Cabrera remained confident about his team.

"We work really hard and we are going to continue working hard because at some point we need to change that luck," he told the website Dynamo Theory. "We couldn't find the net this time. We are going to find the net the next time and that's our mentality and our approach for the next game."

The Dynamo and Earthquakes are each seeking their first win since Week 1.

San Jose is coming off a 1-1 draw with Philadelphia that broke the Earthquakes' two-game losing streak.

Magnus Eriksson, who was signed in December, put San Jose up 1-0 in the first half with his first MLS goal.

"It was a great feeling, a good goal, unfortunately not good enough to win the game," Eriksson said, according to the MLS website. "But it was a great experience."

The Earthquakes have remained healthy during the early season but will be without starting centerback Harold Cummings, who was ejected in the game at Philadelphia.

San Jose coach Mikael Stahre will be changing a lineup that has been steady so far.

"When we look at the first four games, we have made some small, small changes so far," Stahre told Pro Soccer USA. "Now, the coaching staff knows the players more, we know MLS more, we know the opponents more, and we can expect to play hard games every weekend. Of course, I am open to change formations. I'm open to change some players, and I think that's necessary to win games.

"It's necessary also to keep the team warm and also keep up the energy level. But the most important thing is to find ways to win the next game."

Stahre made just one lineup change in the first four games of the season.

"We have worked on different formations, so we will see what's going to be best on Saturday," Eriksson said. "We have a great squad and a good number of great players, so whatever fits the formation and the team is important.

"It is up to Mikael to come up with the best lineup that is going to win the game for us this Saturday."

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