I'm not gonna lie, I'm grumpy. I'm grumpy because we're 0-2, we lost a game against Cincinnati we should have earned a point from, I'm grumpy that we got embarrassed the next week, I'm grumpy because there's no game this week, we're playing Verde next, and because Dynamo fans are now complaining about...well....everything. We've become Brick from Anchor Man, simply mad and shouting because we don't know how to handle all this. I've read a lot of things the last week, and I'm going to try to go back and address some of them in a logical manner. I'm also going to address some things I'm sick of already, and use this as a bit of a therapy session for myself.
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Dynamo Fans are already losing their minds, let's take this week off and refocus.
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Houston Dynamo FC - 2023 Season Preview - It's time, for real.
Major League Soccer Season Preview (2022/2023) – Houston Dynamo
Basics:
Full Name: Houston Dynamo F.C.
Nicknames: Orange Crush, El Naranja (The Orange)
Founded: December 15, 2005
Majority Owner: Ted Segal
General Manager: Pat Onstad
Stadium – Shell Energy Stadium
Year Built: 2012
Kits:
Coach: Ben Olson
MLS Position: 13th in Western Conference (25th Overall)
U.S. Open Cup Result: Lost to Sporting K.C. 2-1 in the round of 16
Playoff Result: Did not qualify.
CONCACAF Champions League Result: Did not qualify.
Additions: Artur, Franco Escobar, Andrew Tarbell, Charles Auguste, Ifunanyachi Achara, Frantz Pierrot, Ivan Franco. Amine Bassi, Brad Smith, Tate Schmitt, Djevencio van der KustLosses: Tim Parker, Adam Lundqvist, Fafa Picault, Memo Rodriguez, Zeca, Zarek Valentin, Marcelo Palomino, Darwin Quintero, Darwin Ceren, Matias Vera, Sam Junqua, Thiaguinho
Before We Get Started:
2022 Overview:
This Winter was a season of major changes on and off the field:
2021/2022 Position Outlook:
Goalkeeper:
Steve Clark, Andrew Tarbell, Michael Nelson, Xavier ValdezIn one of his first moves, Pat Onstad brought in a veteran goalkeeper with playoff pedigree to help change the culture in the dressing room and solidify the position. Plagued by erratic goalkeeping and distribution from Marco Meric, Onstad sought to bring a rock between the posts. A goalkeeper that could lead the defense and provide a consistent and professional level of net minding. While Clark's 2022 was most definitely a disappointing one, he was also obviously an upgrade at the position over to what we had before. Clark ranked 9th in MLS amongst starters in Save% (72%), 5th in total saves (103) and 10th in minutes played (2,905). While Clark was definitely an upgrade and played generally well, he often was 1 play away from pulling points in a game. Part of that was him, and part of that was the defense in front of him. Clark faced the 5th most Shots on Target and had the 8th highest XG-against out of anyone in the league. The Dynamo defense allowed the second-most Shot Creating Actions in the league (888), and the second-most shots (493) and the average distance of shot (17m) was third worst in the league. To put that in context, on an average day Clark faced 5 more dangerous plays than his counterparts in Austin, 4 more than in Dallas, and 7 more than his counterpart at LAFC. Clark would have had to have been Super Human for the Dynamo to compete.
Central Defense:
Teenage Hadebe, Daniel Steres, Ethan Bartlow, Micael dos Santos Silva
The biggest question for the Dynamo this year won't be in the productivity of the newly acquired attackers, it will be in the effectiveness of the back line. Teenage Hadebe is a good MLS defender. Teenage is sometimes spectacular and occasionally erratic, but he's a talented and athletic Center Back who (when he's on) will shut down opposing attacks quickly. Hadebe is one of the most productive Centerbacks in the league, ranking in the top 1/2 of CB's in every category offensively, defensively and passing. Even though he ranked low in Aerial Duels Won, his 65% conversion rate is in the top 1/3rd of the league. Hadebe has a tendency to sometimes misread his partner, allowing balls through that he shouldn't, or missing a mark on a cross because he defers to a partner that isn't there. He rarely gets beat 1v1. He's really good with the ball at his feet, is a very accurate passer, and can hit the deep ball out of the back.
Welcome to @MLS, Micael 🇧🇷#DejaloTodo pic.twitter.com/7OW2ubiwgZ
— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) August 14, 2022
Full Backs:
Griffen Dorsey, Brad Smith, Franco Escobar, Djevencio van der Kust, Tate Schmitt
Onstad brought in two solid veterans with winning pedigrees to fill out the squad in Franco Escobar and Brad Smith. Escobar is a very underrated MLS back, and has been one of the more productive RB's in MLS over the last 4 years. He's very good going into challenges, scoops up a ton of loose balls (223 combined in his 2 years in Atlanta), “Franco is a winner in our league. Since coming to MLS in 2018, he has won every major domestic trophy available, including two MLS Cups, a Supporters’ Shield, Campeones Cup, and the US Open Cup,” Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad said in a press release.“He will strengthen our backline and provide valuable experience to our locker room. We are thrilled that Franco chose Houston in the next step in his career.” Escobar works at a similar rate to Adam Lundkvist on the defensive end, is very good bringing the ball forward, and is a very accurate passer.
Central Midfield:
Coco Carrasquilla, Hector Herrera, Artur, Amine Bassi, Juan Castilla, Brooklyn Raines, Daniel Rios, Charles Auguste,
Herrera, at 32, has lost a step and has trouble keeping up with pacier MLS attackers, but he's extremely smart and knows how to position himself well. He was successful at 70% of the tackles he attempted last year, and he turned those into passes sprayed all over the place. Herrera was extremely poised on the ball and seemed completely unbothered by his opposing mark most of the time. He was an instant impact from the second he stepped on the field, but many times the person on the other end of his passes wasn't up to the task. Was he worth the price Ted Segal paid? If you look at the results: no. Is he a cornerstone piece that the Dynamo can build off of? Hopefully. He needs playmakers and players around him. He's not going to win you games by himself, but can definitely win you games. His success will depend on the wing players added this winter panning out, and the defenders behind him shutting down attacks. Regardless of the results, he's one of the better central midfielders in MLS. Statistically, there are few even on his level.— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 14, 2022
How about that pass from Héctor Herrera. 👀 🎯 pic.twitter.com/dC1s5Gihb3
Forwards:
Sebastian Ferreira, Thor Úlfarsson, Baird, Ivan Franco, Amine Bassi, Nelson Quiñones, Beto Avila, Ifunanyachi Achara
Sebastian Ferreira was worth every penny. The biggest transfer fee in Dynmao history, DP slot, $1.2 million dollar salary, all of it was worth the show that he put on over the 2022 campaign. We all know the midfield strike against Austin F.C., and the touch and control in the above goal vs. Montreal, but add to that his brace vs. San Jose (Match Day 6), his 1 goal - 2 assist evisceration of LA Galaxy (Match Day 12), the poise and calm in front of net in both goals of a brace against Nashville, all while never getting the service he needed to be a truly dominant force in this league. Ferreira only managed 65 shots for the year (26th in the league). Ferreira can be a 20-goal scorer in MLS. There should be no doubt about that, the only thing that will stop him from doing that is the guys he plays with. And the guys that he's been surrounded by are a big question for next year. Iván Franco comes to Houston from Libertad in Paraguay. The former teammate of Sebastian Ferreira, Franco once showed enormous promise scoring 11 goals and notching 5 assists in 40 total starts at the age of 18. In the last three seasons, between various nagging injuries and a knee sprain, he saw a sharp drop in minutes played. He does rack up assists at a high rate, notching 5 in 900 minutes played last year. He plays nice through balls, he strikes the ball well, he can put it in the back of the net, but is opportunistic, and he plays mostly left wing (which the Dynamo are in desperate need of). What might be the most vital is that he's played with Sebastian Ferreira before, serving 2 seasons (2020, 2021) at Libertad with the Dynamo feature attacker. The opposite wing will be occupied by either Corey Baird, Amine Bassi, or Nelson Quiñones. Baird came on strong at the end of last year, posting 2 goals and 4 assists over his last 8 appearances (all starts). He's a high-energy worker and might have found his niche playing on Ferreira's right side. Newcomer Bassi is a solid technical player who has played the bulk of his career in the French 2nd Division. He hasn't factored much for Metz the last two years and hasn't registered a goal or assist since 2020 when he played for Barnsley in the Championship. The 24-year-old has played the bulk of his minutes as an attacking midfielder (FC Nancy-Lorraine) and has registered 28 goals and 23 assists in 145 appearances. The honest report here is none of us should know what to expect from Bassi. There's competition at RW, and he's never been an overly productive player. He could be a perfect fit, or he could be another disappointing International Slot player. The most intriguing may be the youngster Quiñones. The 20-year-old is a burner, plays direct, has the chance to be a Dynamic winger in this league. While he has a long way to go to, he could be the RW compliment this team needs. We could also see Thor at RW, or in a 2 strikers system (4-4-2) like Olsen used early in his DC United days. Thor will definitely be in the mix in some way, after scoring 4 goals and 1 assist in his debut season.
Head Coach:
When Ben Olsen was hired as Coach, I read a lot of posts on Twitter, Reddit, and Big Soccer with a common theme: "Same old Dynamo." The pragmatic in me completely disagrees with this take. Ben Olsen is not a guy with no professional head coaching experience known mostly for his ability to take youth teamers to the first team. Olsen has 378 games under his belt as manager of DC United, and has the 9th most wins of any Coach in MLS history. He's had the best record in the Western Conference twice, and also had the worst record in the conference twice. Is he a sexy hire? Absolutely not. What he IS is more qualified than anyone we've seen on the touchline in Houston in a very long time. "Ben is an experienced MLS head coach with a strong track record of building playoff teams and developing young players,” Pat Onstad said in the press release “Ben is the right leader for our club as we begin making significant changes to field a more proactive, younger and competitive team in the coming years. We are excited to welcome Ben and his family to the city of Houston and we are already hard at work on the 2023 season.”
Synopsis:
Pat Onstad routinely talks about a "Proactive" approach to soccer. After a year of watching it, I still have no idea what he means by it. What can be absolutely sure is that he, Asher Mendehlsohn, and Ted Segal are 100% committed to making this not only a better team, but a better organization. The new players will need time to gel, and adjust to the physicality of MLS. As we saw with Sebastian Ferreira last year (who didn't score his first five games), the pace, speed, and physicality of MLS can take time to get used to, especially when playing in lower-tier leagues like Paraguay and 2. Ligue. Finding the space and timing on the wings to be on the other end of a HH pass will take time on the training pitch. Connecting the back line and knowing "who" and "when" Hadebe and Steres are marking will take time for the additions at FB and Artur. This (on paper) should be a better team, but are they playoff capable is the question?
The Dynamo will have to answer the bell early as the first half of their schedule is extremely challenging. Cincinnati, New England, Austin, NYFC, San Jose, LA Galaxy, Seattle, NYRB and others, there's not a night off, especially with the first two on the road. This team has lost a lot of goal scoring and playmaking in DQ and Fafa, they lost a key CB in Tim Parker who the neither replaced nor upgraded. There are still lots of questions as to who will play, how they will play, and whether some of the new players can play at this level. There are questions around whether Ben Olsen is the guy who won the Western Conference in the regular season, the coach who got bounced in the first round of the playoffs, or the guy who won the wooden spoon. There are soo many questions that can't be answered until we actually see this team on the field, the only thing we know is that it will be very different from the one we saw last year.Prediction:
Monday, August 8, 2022
Stick a fork in this team: They're done.
This loss was about mental lapses and execution.
This was (on paper) a matchup of two fairly evenly matched teams, both of whom are struggling to find wins. Vancouver, down 7 men to start the game and playing without Lucas Cavellini in the starting 11, was the most dangerous team from the early goings. Julian Gressel was a constant threat on from the wing, getting the ball deep in the attacking third and firing in dangerous crosses. After the first goal, Whitecaps coach Vanni Sartini changed up the defense, pressing the Dynamo back 4 when they were in possession. While the Dynamo managed to dominate possession in the first half (63%), they did very little with it. Managing only two shots on target, (both by Fafa Picault), the Dynamo were doing very little dangerously in the final third. There were opportunities, Thor twice had the ball deep in the attacking third 1v1 with Tristan Blackmon, twice he was unable to do anything with it, and twice we came away with nothing.
The Dynamo were in trouble despite the 1:0 scoreline.
At the 50th minute mark, the Dynamo got their first real chance. It was an opportunity that should have been the game clincher, but instead, we got this:
These are plays that separate winning and losing. These are the plays that separate playoff contenders from wooden spoons. With a chance to go up 2-0 on the road, El Cientifico del Gol chooses a flying scissor kick a ball for no reason, whiffs at the chance, and cost his teammates a goal. This isn't a rookie Thor we are talking about, it's a 34-year-old veteran in his 17th year as a professional. These types of plays are inexcusable. These types of plays HAVE to be made. On top of that, this was Darwin's only shot opportunity of the entire game. He has to capitalize.
This game should have been 2-0 at this point. Fafa has to at least make a play on this ball. If you watch the body language by the guys on the field after this play, Fafa has his head down, Sebas turns around and is walking back, the only guy with any pep on screen is Thor. The midfield (Hector Herrera especially) is jogging back. And while the next possession turned into a cross that Tim Parker cleared, you could see frustration begin to take over this team.
The Downfall:
- 72nd minute: Griffen Dorsey and Coco -> Sebas and DQ
- 83rd minute: Ethan Bartlow and Zeca -> Thor and Zarek Valentine
Here you go!!! @simon_becher101 nets the equalizer last night in his @MLS debut!!!@WhitecapsFC | #VWFC pic.twitter.com/hbcJUwrZpk
— Sarita Patel - 'Caps Club Reporter (@SaritaReports) August 6, 2022
While I say it was a bit unfortunate, it was also helped by a momentary lapse in concentration by Zeca, who lost his man (Ali Ahmed) and gave him a free run to the middle. Tim Parkers deflection of Ahmed's pass wound up right at the foot of Becher, who managed to tap it home for the equalizer.
Instead of grinding this game out for a draw, the Dynamo chased a second goal, opened themselves up, and gave up the winning goal less than 4 minutes later. Lucas Cavellini's right-footed blast sealed the game. Clark should have stopped it, didn't, and the Dynamo are no 3 points poorer because of a collective effort.
Despite the math, this team is done.
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Houston Dynamo 2:1 San Jose Earthquakes - The Good, the bad, & the Ugly
Let's take a little time and just let this set in. After a 2:1 victory on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes, we have a few days to sit back, evaluate, and breathe. Dynamo fans have been lighting up social media with depression over the team's current state, pleas for help, and anxiety over what will happen during this Transfer Window. While all those feelings are warranted, let's just take a moment to enjoy a glimpse of success. After going just 1-5-1 over the previous 7 games, it's nice to have a come-from-behind win on the road to enjoy. The win showed both key plays from struggling players and stretches of play that were extremely poor. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly.
The Good:
While it wasn't the prettiest, it was a good team performance:
Fafa Picault:
Fafa was applying good pressure from the opening kick, and was extremely active on both wings. Fafa had several opportunities early on to break the game open. He (as he often does) did too much with them and couldn't put the ball in the net. However, he was a constant threat in behind the San Jose defense the entire game. Also had a nice cross to Thor, but Thor wasn't looking for it.
Sebas:
Performance, fitness and adaptation to @MLS cited as reasons for @sebasferreira11 on the bench in @HoustonDynamo visit to @SJEarthquakes, per @GlennDavisSoc.@TheStrikerNews #HoldItDown
— Victor Araiza (@victoraraiza) July 18, 2022
📺 @ATTSportsNetSW pic.twitter.com/sZNH0u40F0
Maybe Paulo was right and Sebas just needed a break........maybe he was dinged up, maybe there was something else. I don't know and honestly, I don't really care. What I do know is that there should never be a time where Sebas doesn't make it into a game especially against Austin F.C. after he was pulled early the game before. Even with the dry spell, he's got 7 goals and 3 assists in his last 12 appearances, which is nothing to be ashamed of. He needs to hold that form with the schedule we've got the rest of the way.
Tim Parker:
Parker helped hold Jeremy Ebobisse to only two touches inside the penalty area, and neutralized his only dangerous touch of the game. Ebobisse, tied for 3rd in the league with 11 goals, never got a clean look at goal with the exception of the 1 Paker went full Super Hero mode on. Parker and Hadebe combined to hold Ebobisse to only 20 touches the entire game. This was probably Parker's best game of the year, even without even taking the brilliant shot stoppage (74th minute) into account. Parker's save was even bigger when you realize what happened next.
“Comeback City” call from @GlennDavisSoc and @eddie_robinson2 as Thor Ulfarsson scored the game winner in @HoustonDynamo visit to @SJEarthquakes.@TheStrikerNews #HoldItDown
— Victor Araiza (@victoraraiza) July 18, 2022
📺 @ATTSportsNetSW pic.twitter.com/7ZrXnZpBFZ
The Bad:
The first half:
Hector Herrera:
The Ugly
Thor's defending the back post:
Whatever Sebas was doing with his shorts:
Next Up:
Run of Form:
Houston Dynamo: 2022
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Houston Dynamo - Vancouver White Caps.
Pregame Talk:
There was some buzz pregame when starting 11's were introduced. Fans have been waiting to see Coco Carrasquilla and Darwin Quintero in the starting lineup, and after two scoreless games Paulo Nagamura made the switch. And while there was buzz around this, Pat Onstad also dropped a bomb during the pregame show. When asked by Glen Davis about the GAM brought in by the trading of Derrick Jones: "Yeah, we're looking to spend that right away. We have somebody lined up, hopefully in the next week or so.....we'll be able to announce.....in an attacking position. We need to get some more players in here I think to help the group. But what we are excited about is the group we do have. I think they work really hard defensively. We gave up 59 goals last year, so far we've only given up one. So that's good but on the other side, you know, we haven't scored yet. So hopefully we can go bang in a few against Vancouver." It's an exciting time to be a Dynamo fan, this group is being aggressive as far as getting new guys in here. No idea who Pat is talking about, but hopefully it's a 10 or a right-winger to help with the attack."
While this statement perked up my ears, what happened on the pitch over the opening 30 minutes perked up my eyes. Coco and Quintero didn't disappoint and did more for the attack in the first five minutes than the midfield has done all season. Coco's ability to break lines with lights out passing and Quintero's ability to....well....be Darwin freaking Quintero was a much-needed sight for La Naranja and Paulo Nagamura. The game started off fast, the Dynamo came out aggressive early, and even though they fell behind 1-0 managed to battle back and take control of the game. In a game that featured a lot of firsts, the 3 points were much needed, and hopefully there's more to come.
The first 30 Minutes:
5:00 - Quintero tries to play Fafa through, the pass is just a hair too long.
The Next 15 minutes:
Total. Team. Goal.
That's lovely stuff, y'all 😍#HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/CEBNunIjaU
— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) March 13, 2022
The Next 15 Minutes:
Total. Team. Goal.
That's lovely stuff, y'all 😍#HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/CEBNunIjaU
We'll be watching this one for weeks to come, @darwinJR3.
— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) March 13, 2022
Time to put this one on repeat, H-Town 🔁🔁🔁🔁 pic.twitter.com/Q9xLhzxg6x
The Final 30 Minutes:
Notables:
Coco Carrasquilla
Darwin Quintero
Griffen Dorsey
Sebas
Corey Baird
Minor Notes:
- Teenage Hadebe looked terrible in the minutes he got down the stretch. He mistimed a header badly right before blocking the second shot.
- Adam Lundkvist also had a very quiet but highly productive night. Lundy had a big block in the first half and turned several Vancouver mistakes into counterattacks.
- I love the supporters' sections totally firing up the Orange Smoke. We need more of it. PNC should be covered in Orange Fog when tipoff hits. I want 360° of Orange hell when our starting 11 walks on the field.
- The Dynamo now rank 1st in MLS in passing success rate (85.3%, slightly ahead of LAG) after ranking last for most of last season.
- The Dynamo held 58.7% possession last night and now rank 11th in MLS with 54% on the season.
- On the night of firsts: First Win, First Goal, Nagamura's first win as an MLS manager, First start for Quintero, First Start for Carrasquilla, the first appearance for Hadebe on the year, and first goal or assist for both Baird and Sebas in a Dynamo uniform. There's probably more, but those are just off the top of my head.