Houston Dynamo looking to climb out of the Western Conference cellar

The Houston Dynamo host Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night at PNC Stadium. The match presents an opportunity for the hometown Orange to climb over SKC and out of the Western Conference cellar. Here are three things to watch for on Saturday.

First, with the all-time series deadlocked at 13-13-13 and five games remaining in the 2022 season Houston has an opportunity to climb out of the basement in the Western Conference. Its a place that the team and its fans have become accustomed to over the last few seasons. This combined with Kevin Bundy ascending to first team interim coach should provide a much needed impetus to build on for next season. Excitement is in the air.

Second, watch to see the subtle changes that Bundy brings to the table. Don't be surprised to see changes in the lineup that former head coach Paulo Nagamura may not have been attuned to making. Being well familiar with the younger players and the first team through his close workings with Nagamura and his own success with the Dynamo 2 side, Bundy has an opportunity to make a big impact with players he knows and players who have bought into his system. Don't be surprised if some veteran players are moved to the bench and some younger ones step onto the pitch.

Third, playing for the third time this season across all competitions, Houston would like to turn the tide against SKC. The Sporting Kansas City handed them their first regular season road loss and then knocked them out of the U.S. Open Cup. Now sitting just just one point behind the boys from Missouri, a home win would exact a little revenge for those two losses, build a little momentum and move Houston out of the basement.

Finally, it's chance to watch Houston Dynamo history in the making. Bundy can become the first interim coach in Dynamo history to win in his debut game. Former Dynamo player Wade Barrett earned a point in his first game as interim on the road against Vancouver back in 2016 following the departure of Owen Coyle. Davey Arnaud earned a point in a home draw with Colorado.

Kick-off against Sporting Kansas City is set for 7:30pm CT at PNC Stadium on Saturday, August 10th.