Houston Dynamo: Overlook them at your peril
The Houston Dynamo dismantled New York City FC on Friday night in an extremely impressive performance. Overlook them at your peril.
The Houston Dynamo did not start the MLS season well. While they dismantled Atlanta United on the opening weekend in a remarkable 4-0 win, more recently, their form had not quite matched their performances. And there was one key reason: Finishing.
The Dynamo were creating vast numbers of chances. And good quality chances as well. But they were missing out on points because of their inability to convert them.
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Up until a 2-2 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 12th, the Dynamo had never had fewer than 12 shots in a game twice. Furthermore, they have out-shot their opponents in every single fixture. And yet, it is only recently that the goals have flown.
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And speaking of goals flying in, the Dynamo were at their blistering best against New York City FC on Friday night. The 3-1 win was indicative of Houston’s style. Boasting wonderful pace and athleticism in attacking areas, they seared through their visitors with a series of dynamic plays, fast-paced interplay and fluid, direct movement off the ball.
They also did more than score just three goals. Again, they outshot New York, 21 to 13, forced Sean Johnson into a remarkable seven saves, and also hit the post in the early stages after Alberth Elis’ glanced header nearly curled its way into the goal. And this was an incredibly well-rounded performance.
Yes, New York scored first with a thumping David Villa volley. Yes, Jo-Inge Berget should have converted a one-on-one in the second half. Yes, Joe Willis himself made five saves in the match, a figure indicative of the attacking capabilities of the visitors. But this was a deserved victory for Houston. It is quite the statement.
And now, suddenly, they have risen into the upper echelons of the weaker Western Conference, sitting in fourth place, just six points behind leaders Sporting Kansas City with a game in-hand, and are lurking as dark horse candidates for greater success in the postseason.
They have played better than their results have suggested, and now their results are catching up. They are unbeaten in four matches, winning three of them, scoring three goals in three of them and scoring two in the other.
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This is a team that is improving. This is a team that is rising up the standings. This is a team that is winning. And not many are talking about them. Overlook the Houston Dynamo at your peril.