Houston Dynamo: 4-2-3-1 provides new and improved attacking threat

Houston Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera has switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation in recent weeks. It led to a sensational attacking performance against FC Dallas last weekend.

Last weekend, the Houston Dynamo reached a new plateau with the 4-2-3-1 formation they’d worked on at times in the past several years.

Head coach Wilmer Cabrera had explained to the media repeatedly the coaches were developing attackers, and in a 2-1 win over FC Dallas, those attackers delivered.

In that May 4 match, FC Dallas got off 622 passes, nearly twice Houston’s tally, and had 64% of the ball. Yet, they engineered just nine shots on goal, only six of which were on target. Houston, without a real foothold in possession, had 15 shots, almost double Dallas’ tally. Their attacking efficiency was sensational. And the reason for that? The 4-2-3-1 formation that Cabrera’s side has mastered.

In this formation, the two defensive midfielders — Boniek Garcia and Matias Vera — represent the key. This includes a pivot position, with one of these midfielders at times assisting the attack, while the other consistently remains aware of any of the opponent’s central attacking midfielder. They provide the foundation of the team. The attacking threat, though, comes from the supply lines of the midfield three behind the center-forward.

These three midfielders have creative roles. The wingers drag the opposing full-backs along with them and the space that is created in between the central midfield, full-back and center-back can subsequently be exploited. In Houston’s 4-2-3-1, these players are Alberth Elis, Memo Rodriguez and Tomas Martinez.

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This system shone in the build-up to Mauro Manotas’ second goal. It was created by the cohesive movement and passing of Rodriguez and Elis, with Elis finding that pocket of space in between the defense and the midfield, sliding a ball wide to Rodriguez who delivered a perfect cross for Manotas to prod home. It was a perfect illustration of the attacking threat the 4-2-3-1 formation poses.

Their homegrown player, Rodriguez, was the best at the weekend. He was among the top players with dispossessions in the game, supplied four key passes, and also tallied a tackle and two interceptions. Rodriguez made good on the scouting reports that rate him strong in crossing and defensive contributions. He posted four crosses plus a blocked shot. And he did all that with 58 touches, the second-most among Dynamo players.

By full-time, Houston fans were raucous. This was the biggest win of the year, with dreams of challenging the elite of the West becoming a reality. Cabrera, though, urged caution. There is still a long MLS season ahead and plenty will change between now and the playoffs come November. But in this formation, the personnel looked made for their roles

Just as important as finding a go-to formation they can work, Houston Dynamo have the personnel to work the 4-2-3-1. It’s got them to third place in MLS Western Conference. Who knows how much further it might take them.