Sounders FC-Dynamo preview

The surging Seattle Sounders FC try to extend their winning streak to four games when they visit the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday.

Seattle (9-12-3) and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC are tied for eighth in Major League Soccer's Western Conference with 30 points. The Sounders are one point behind the San Jose Earthquakes and two points behind the sixth-place Portland Timbers, who hold the conference's final playoff spot.

Houston (5-10-9) is last in the Western Conference with 24 points. The Dynamo fare better at home this season, going 4-1-6 compared to 1-9-3 on the road.

Seattle vaulted back into playoff contention since making two major moves in late July. First, the team parted ways with Sigi Schmid, the only coach the team had employed in eight MLS seasons. The following day, the Sounders signed Nicolas Lodeiro, a Uruguayan national team midfielder with two World Cup appearances, on a transfer from Argentinian power Boca Juniors.

Since Lodeiro made his debut July 31, Seattle has gone 3-0-1. Lodeiro tallied one goal and four assists in four games the Sounders.

"Lodeiro looks like a really talented player," Dynamo interim coach Wade Barrett said. "He's someone that can make a big impact."

Clint Dempsey has been resurgent since Lodeiro's arrival, scoring five goals in four games, including a hat trick against Orlando City SC and two more goals in a 3-1 victory over Portland. Dempsey was named MLS Player of the Week on Tuesday.

Dempsey and rookie Jordan Morris are tied for the team lead with eight goals apiece for Seattle, which is vying for its eighth consecutive MLS playoff berth. The Sounders have not missed the playoffs since joining MLS in 2009.

Houston is led by Andrew Wenger, Giles Barnes, Will Bruin and Ricardo Clark, each of whom has scored four goals. Boniek Garcia has five assists.

Seattle and Houston played to a 1-1 draw in April after the Sounders scored in the final minute of second-half stoppage time.