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Sounders-Dynamo Preview

Aug 22, 2009 - 7:29 PM By MATT BEARDMORE STATS Writer

Seattle (8-6-8) at Houston (11-6-6), 8:30 p.m. EDT

The Houston Dynamo hold a slim lead in the Western Conference standings. They're hoping a major addition can help expand that advantage.

Mexican forward Luis Angel Landin could make his MLS debut Sunday night when Houston hosts Seattle Sounders FC.

Houston (11-6-6) returns to Robertson Stadium with a five-point lead over Los Angeles, which moved past Seattle into second place in the West with Wednesday's 2-0 win at Chicago.

The Dynamo, who are 2-3-2 in their last seven matches, acquired Landin on loan from Cruz Azul on Thursday as the club's first-ever designated player and first with Mexican national team experience.

"I am looking forward to getting Luis involved with the team," coach Dominic Kinnear told the Dynamo's official Web site. "He is a player that will fit nicely into our system. I think we improved our team with an exciting, young, attacking player. We'll get him training as soon as possible and get him ready to play in this physically demanding league."

Pending the arrival of a work visa, the 24-year-old Landin could see action versus the Sounders.

"I am not coming here to be a superstar," said Landin, who is on loan through the end of 2010. "I am just coming here to play, to be one of the guys, and to contribute in any way possible."

The Dynamo released forward Ade Akinbiyi to make room for Landin.

Akinbiyi scored for Houston in a 2-1 overtime loss to Seattle (8-6-8) on July 21 in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal. It marked the Dynamo's second loss to the expansion Sounders in 11 days.

In the club's first-ever meeting on July 11, Seattle rallied past visiting Houston 2-1 behind goals from Fredy Montero and Patrick Ianni.

Montero, among the league leaders with 10 goals, will serve a one-game suspension Sunday due to yellow-card accumulation.

In Thursday's 1-0 loss at New England, Montero missed a penalty kick in the 44th minute as the Sounders lost for the second time in 12 home games while getting shut out for the fourth time in five contests.

"All you can do is create opportunities," said Seattle coach Sigi Schmid. "You can't go in there and will the ball into the goal. The players on the field have to will the ball into the goal."

Houston, meanwhile, is trying to build off a scoreless draw at Real Salt Lake on Aug. 15. It was the Dynamo's first shutout since a 1-0 win at Kansas City on July 4.

"We haven't been pleased with the way we've been playing defensively over the past few weeks," goalkeeper Pat Onstad said after making six saves and recording his MLS-leading ninth shutout. "I thought tonight we limited their opportunities."

Seattle midfielder Stephen King, who scored the game-winner in the July 21 matchup with Houston, is questionable Sunday due to a left hamstring strain.

Dynamo defender Andrew Hainault will serve a one-game suspension Sunday for yellow-card accumulation.