As the Houston Dynamo look to kick off their second-half push, the club is looking to strike a long sought-after balance between attack and defense.

Throughout the first half of the season, the Dynamo have been strong in either defense or attack, but have struggled to put together complete performances on a consistent basis. Houston have pitched six shutouts in 2012, but have scored just three goals in those matches. Conversely, in games where Houston have scored two or more goals, the club has a record of 2-2-3, giving up 16 goals in the process. A recent shift in formation has translated into back-to-back clean sheets for the Dynamo, who are on a shutout streak that currently stands at 223 minutes. Now the goal is to build on the offensive side of the ball to complement their renewed defensive form.

“We know we’re not exactly lighting the scoreboard up, but we were unbeaten last week [0-0 tie at Sporting] and that’s a positive,” Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear

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Houston Dynamo Preview

As the Houston Dynamo look to kick off their second-half push, the club is looking to strike a long sought-after balance between attack and defense.

Throughout the first half of the season, the Dynamo have been strong in either defense or attack, but have struggled to put together complete performances on a consistent basis. Houston have pitched six shutouts in 2012, but have scored just three goals in those matches. Conversely, in games where Houston have scored two or more goals, the club has a record of 2-2-3, giving up 16 goals in the process. A recent shift in formation has translated into back-to-back clean sheets for the Dynamo, who are on a shutout streak that currently stands at 223 minutes. Now the goal is to build on the offensive side of the ball to complement their renewed defensive form.

“We know we’re not exactly lighting the scoreboard up, but we were unbeaten last week [0-0 tie at Sporting] and that’s a positive,” Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear.

Washington DC United Preview

DC United made a statement beating the Impact in their last game keeping them in 1st place in the Eastern Conference D.C. United put three unanswered goals past the Montreal Impact to open up a sliver of daylight at the Eastern Conference summit. A goal just before the interval from Chris Pontius was joined by second-half strikes from Robbie Russell and Hamdi Salihi.

The win puts D.C. top of the East again with 33 points, after New York's draw against Toronto briefly saw the Red Bulls take pole position by a single point.

Houston Dynamo vs Washington DC United Predictions: 2-1 United over Houston

Even if United come in as the visitors. They will come with their usual aggressive attack. Houston’s defense isn’t strong enough to withstand United’s attack.

Houston Dynamo vs Washington DC United Betting Odds and Tips:

Houston Dynamo: 2.26 - 1.44 - 69.32%
Draw: 3.25 - 1.30 - 76.47%
Washington DC United: 3.05 - 1.32 - 75.30%

Source: [sbobet]