Return to 4-4-2 Formation Wins Game for Houston Dynamo
Houston Dynamo Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera moved the team to a 4-4-2 midfield diamond formation and got a home shutout against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Houston Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera didn’t say the Houston Dynamo gave up on the offense-oriented 4-3-3 they’ve used to start this season. In his post-game conference, Cabrera explained several reasons for changing the formation at least for this game on Saturday, April 22.
"I wanted to help the back four to be more protected. We gave Alex a little bit more freedom. At some points, he was another forward. We tried to be more balanced. The game was at 3 o’clock. It was hot. Having that balance helped us to save more energy."
Attack regardless of formation
When Alex moved up in the attacking part of the field, he caused problems for the Earthquakes beginning in the ninth minute. That’s when Alex drew a foul. Afterward, Erick Cubo Torres neatly placed the penalty for the first goal.
In the 72nd minute, Eric Alexander sent in a curling corner kick. Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham moved to the front of his penalty area to intercept up, but it curved behind him. Alberth Elis guided the ball in along with his body for the second goal.
Helping the Defense
The Earthquakes were ready to match the Dynamo. They did with an equal 45 duels won. They were only slightly behind the Dynamo in some other categories: 19-17 clearances and 17-12 tackles won.
Bolstering the Dynamo defense shows in limiting the Earthquakes to only nine shots with just two on target. The pressure also pushed the Quakes into three offside calls. The Dynamo had none.
Dynamo goalkeeper Joe Willis showed a brilliant ferocity in his second consecutive start this season. He should keep it up but be mindful to avoid another yellow card, such as the one he earned Saturday.
Final stats from a great home win brought to you by @frontieru, Electricity for Less. #HOUvSJ pic.twitter.com/ElkyxFcu84
— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) April 22, 2017
Better Midfield Work
Percentage-wise, the teams look close in passing accuracy, with the Earthquakes leading 84%-80%. However, the Earthquakes attempted 504 passes to the Dynamo’s 361, pointing to how hard they worked from their 4-4-2 double-diamond to overcome Houston’s traps.
DaMarcus Beasley’s ball-handling for the team was as smooth midfield as in the defensive areas of the field.
Cabrera has emphasized a need for focus. The Dynamo get it and the supporters celebrate.