.2014 - Following its 2-0 win over Austin with a 1-0 win over NYCFC, @HoustonDynamo have recorded consecutive shutout victories within a single regular season for the first time since March 8-15, 2014. Vintage. pic.twitter.com/jiKBncmgE9
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) March 26, 2023
There are lots of things to celebrate from this game, as well as some major causes of concern. Let's take a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of this game.
The Good:
Brooklyn Raines makes his first MLS start.
Brooklyn Raines is the first teenager to ever start a game for the Houston Dynamo in an MLS match. In a much-anticipated appearance, Raines had a mostly quiet first half. Highlighted by his miss on the one good chance the Dynamo had created during the half that really stung, Raines otherwise was mostly unnoticeable during the first 45. He came to life in the second. Had a really nice move and a crafty pass through defenders on the buildup that led to the Pen. Drew a couple of key fouls, and despite only having 27 touches found ways to impact the game. Brooklyn just mistimed a couple of runs, and his teammates had a little trouble finding him on some of those deep balls. Most importantly didn't do anything that cost the team the win. Raines took over Coco's duty of applying high pressure and making runs between the left CB and LB. High energy, was active, impacted winning. Overall a solid 74 minutes, hopefully he starts to get a few more shifts as the season progresses.Artur
Artur is the backbone of what has been a dominating midfield. The midfield trident has been extremely good in 3/4 games so far this year (Cinci, Austin, NYCFC) and Artur has ben the rock at the back end of it. Defensively he was outstanding last night. While the tackle and interception numbers aren't staggering (1 tackle, 2 interceptions), he was always in the right spot and gobbled up 11 loose balls in the midfield. Artur was also instrumental on applying pressure to Keaton Parks and Alfredo Morales, virtually taking them out of the game. Artur has also been creeping further upfield in possession and looking to make plays. Took a big left-footed blast right before Corey Baird hit the cross bar, and who can forget his nutmeg/run against Austin F.C. Owning the midfield was key to this matchup, and none was more active or more important than Artur.The Defensive Back 3 of Teenage, Bartlow, and Steres
It's an unconventional way to get to a 3 in the back lineup, but that's essentially what it is. 4-4-2 in defense, but 3 CB's staying home and protecting when we go forward. While Steres began to venture forward at spots, having these three set the back line allowed Tate Schmitt to get down the wing and wreak havoc. The three weren't called on to do a lot, but were always there when they needed to be. Largely responsible for holding NYCFC to five shots (1 on target) for the entire game. NYCFC went over 30 minutes without a single shot of any kind (from the 57th minute - 91st minute). Add to that the fact that NYCFC only had 5 touches inside the box for the first 90 minutes of the game. While Steve Clark will get credit for his 52nd Career Clean Sheet, the bulk of the work went to the midfield and these guys in the back.
Honorable Mention:
Ben Olsen's defensive game planning, Amine Bassi, HH being HH, and, it sounds weird since we lost the possession numbers, but the possession game was there when we needed it.
The Bad
Corey Baird
Baird did some really good things defensively. His pressure on the Center Backs combined with the midfield activity of Raines, HH, and Artur really disrupted NYCFC's attack. However, going forward Baird poses almost no threat of helping the Dynamo score. When he makes a run AND is onside, his decision-making has been extremely poor. Had a chance to bury NYCFC and make it 2-0 but missed a poacher's goal and hit the woodwork, his only shot of the game. He's not getting chances, he's not creating chances, he's not really even taking guys on. He did draw 4 fouls, but other than that his stats were very meager. 45 touches, 8 possessions lost, 0 key passes, 0 shots on target, 1 offsides, 0/1 in taking guys on. For four straight games here the striker position has been virtually nonexistent in the attack.
The Attack
There was some really pretty combination play, and some quality plays from the midfield, but the Dynamo managed only 2 shots on target the entire game, and one was off a deflection on the back post. The top three of Baird, Bassi and Quinones didn't combined for 1 shot, 1 key pass, and 2 passes completed into the penalty area. Without Franco and Carrasquilla the attack lost a lot of punch and creative flair. The top three have yet to create a goal in the run of play on the season.
The Ugly
Steve Clark's one major gaffe
Luckily it didn't cost the Dynamo a goal, but right after Amine Bassi's pen Clark almost gave them one back.
Final Thoughts:
These are games the Dynamo usually don't win. You can take both wins with a grain of salt (beating Austin F.C. on a short week and NYCFC after traveling across the country) but to post two straight clean sheets at home AND winning both hasn't been done in ten years. This is a good stretch, and the Dynamo have a real chance to make it three in a row traveling to San Jose Earthquakes next weekend. Also, getting to listen to Glenn Davis on the call through Apple TV's new "Hometown Radio" feature was a game changer for me. I now love this ap entirely.
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— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) March 26, 2023
¡Su energΓa fue increΓble!#HoldItDown #ContraTodos pic.twitter.com/5Qj2rWMFcy
Next Up:
Until then.....
Thanks again for reading.
Remember to always #HoldItDown and stay #ForeverOrange
Brian
Nice take on the game (and Austin game). Two painful games to watch resulting in 6pts! Artur has been stellar, playing so well you don't even know he's there. Always in position, cleaning up turnovers in our own end. MVP so far. Offensively the Orange is toothless so the defense needs to keep delivering masterpieces.
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