As the race for the MLS Cup Playoffs heats up, the Crew looks to stay above the red line on the Eastern Conference table with a win this weekend in Houston. However, the task may be easier said than done.
Since opening in 2012, the Black & Gold are winless in three trips to BBVA Compass Stadium. The Dynamo's young home is just one of three current MLS stadiums in which the Crew is winless, joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC's BC Place and Portland Timbers FC's Providence Park. Additionally, BBVA Compass Stadium has been a fortress for the Dynamo regardless of opponent since opening on May 12, 2012 as Houston has compiled a 27-7-13 record at home in that time.
Opposing Stadium |
Record |
|---|---|
<strong><em>BBVA Compass Stadium (HOU)</em></strong> |
<strong><em>0-2-1</em></strong> |
BC Place (VAN) |
0-1-0 |
BMO Field (TOR) |
3-2-5 |
Buck Shaw Stadium (SJ) |
2-1-3 |
CenturyLink Field (SEA) |
2-1-2 |
Dick's Sporting Goods Park (COL) |
2-3-2 |
Gillette Stadium (NE) |
8-8-4 |
Providence Park (POR) |
0-1-2 |
PPL Park (PHI) |
2-3-0 |
Red Bull Arena (NY) |
1-2-2 |
RFK Stadium (DC) |
8-18-4 |
Rio Tinto Stadium (RSL) |
1-3-0 |
Stade Saputo (MTL) |
1-2-1 |
Sporting Park (KC) |
1-4-0 |
StubHub Center (LA/CHV) |
4-11-5 |
Toyota Park (CHI) |
1-6-6 |
Toyota Stadium (DAL) |
3-4-1 |
Much has been said about the Dynamo's struggles away from home this season, having secured three points on the road just twice in 2014. However, it's been Dom Kinnear's side's home record of 7-3-3 that's kept Houston in MLS Cup Playoff contention in mid-September.
For what it's worth, no current Crew player has scored at BBVA Compass Stadium. Cole Grossman and Eddie Gaven scored each of the Black & Gold's goals in a 2-2 draw in the club's first trip to the stadium, and the lone Columbus tally in last season's 3-1 loss was courtesy of an own goal. On the bright side for the Crew, Federico Higuaín has an assist at BBVA Compass Stadium -- recorded in his debut minutes with the team in 2012 -- and Daniel Paladini added a helper in his time with the Fire on the road at Houston.
Still, the Crew has the confidence of a 3-0 win over the Dynamo on August 23 in its corner on Saturday. It could go a long was as the Black & Gold will likely have to reverse their fortunes at BBVA Compass Stadium to stay above the red line for another week as the MLS Regular Season enters the homestretch.
