Seattle Sounders: 3 Keys Vs. Houston Dynamo

Apr 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Sounders forward Brad Evans (3) and Houston Dynamo midfielder Boniek Garcia (27) battle for the ball during the second half at BBVA Compass Stadium. The Dynamo and Sounders tied 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Sounders forward Brad Evans (3) and Houston Dynamo midfielder Boniek Garcia (27) battle for the ball during the second half at BBVA Compass Stadium. The Dynamo and Sounders tied 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Seattle Sounders
Apr 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Sounders forward Brad Evans (3) and Houston Dynamo midfielder Boniek Garcia (27) battle for the ball during the second half at BBVA Compass Stadium. The Dynamo and Sounders tied 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

As the Seattle Sounders prepare to face the Houston Dynamo in Texas, we consider three factors which could decide the outcome.

This time last month, things looked extremely dire for the Seattle Sounders. Having just parted ways with Sigi Schmid, they looked odds on to miss the playoffs for the first time since entering the league in 2009.

However, Schmid’s departure coincided with the arrival of a certain Nicolas Lodeiro. Since then, the Sounders have been in the ascendancy, with 10 points from a possible 12 firing them right back into playoff contention.

Loderio has been a revelation, scoring once and adding an assist in all four of his appearances. Clint Dempsey is back to his best, having so far netted five goals during August, including two against the Portland Timbers on Sunday.

Unfortunately, Seattle don’t have much time to bask in the glow of the triumph over their Cascadian rivals. We take a look at three factors, which will play a major part in determining the outcome against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday night.

Next: The ultimate road disadvantage