Houston Dynamo: MLS SuperDraft success because of contingency plans

The Houston Dynamo were regarded as “losers” of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. Further analysis of their selections would actually indicate otherwise.

The Houston Dynamo have enjoyed a successful offseason thus far.

Nonetheless, analysts and fans were quick to denounce their selections during the most recent Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

Sam Junqua was a late invite to the MLS Combine and no one thought that he would be selected in the first round. Nevertheless, Senior Vice President/General Manager Matt Jordan pulled the trigger on the University of California, Berkeley left-back, who made 68 appearances (45 starts) during his four-year collegiate career. Bobby Warshaw praised the Dynamo on the MLS broadcast for doing their own research and for having the bravery to go against conventional wisdom.

For the Houston Dynamo, the selection of the 22-year-old from Saratoga, California made plenty of sense. He is a fantastic crosser, comfortable in possession, and has enough athleticism and defensive technique to nullify opposition attackers. Junqua will undoubtedly spend time with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (RGVFC), the Dynamo’s United Soccer League (USL) affiliate, before hopefully replacing the evergreen DaMarcus Beasley on the first-team roster.

Another possible contingency plan was selected 33rd overall in the form of Maryland defender Andrew Samuels. The Tampa, Florida native appeared in 73 games (51 starts) during his four years with the Terrapins. He captained the team in 2018 en route to claiming the NCAA Division I Championship.

Matt Jordan later revealed that they were surprised that Samuels was available in the second round as he was in their top twelve. The Dynamo view Samuels as a right back, another position where they have an elder statesman. A.J. DeLaGarza. One of the most underrated players in MLS, DeLaGarza made a return from his torn ACL late last season, but it remains to be seen as to whether he can make a successful return from such a devastating injury.

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My favourite Houston Dynamo SuperDraft selection was third round pick (56th overall) Bradley Dunwell, a classic No. 6 from Wake Forest University. Travis Clark of Top Drawer Soccer ranked Dunwell as the No. 1 senior prospect for the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, primarily because you could “probably count on one hand” the number of turnovers Dunwell made during his four-year collegiate career, in which he made 91 starts.

Although Alberth Elis, Mauro Manotas, and Romell Quioto are the stars, the importance of the No. 6 in this Houston Dynamo team was highlighted by the absence of 2017 MVP Juan David Cabezas last season. The Dynamo had already acquired Matías Vera prior to the SuperDraft in an effort to solidify the position, but selecting Bradley Dunwell gives them added security at the position.

Similarly to Geoff Cameron, whom the Dynamo selected in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, Dunwell could prove to be a steal when all is said and done.

Although not spectacular, I am a fan of the Houston Dynamo’s 2019 MLS SuperDraft selections. They were bold and provided contingency plans for key positions. The SuperDraft is about taking your shots, and the Houston Dynamo did precisely that. They continued what has been a very successful offseason.