The Houston Dynamo signed striker Michael Salazar from USL affiliate Rio Grande Valley earlier this week. With so much uncertainty surrounding their attacking talent, the Belize international represents another shrewd piece of business.
Michael Salazar was not even on the Rio Grande Valley FC roster at the beginning of this season. But now he could now play an important role in the Houston Dynamo’s potent attack with Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto away on international duty at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup and uncertainty surrounding the future of Elis and Mauro Manotas.
After signing with the Dynamo affiliate on March 14, the 26-year-old Salazar went on to score eight goals in twelve games, setting the club single-season record for goals just three months into the USL season. He averaged a goal every 93.8 minutes.
A right-footed poacher, Salazar has been incredibly composed in front of goal this season. He has consistently been in the right place at the right time and his movement in the box has also been very good. In watching RGV matches in which Salazar has featured, the Belizean international has also shown himself to be a good passer, a direct dribbler, and a general handful for defenders.
With Quioto and Elis absent through international duty, the Houston Dynamo will be lacking some dynamism over the next few weeks. Memo Rodríguez has enjoyed an incredible start to the season, but Wílmer Cabrera will hope that his forward depth does not let him down while two of his most dangerous players are away.
While Salazar has played out wide sparingly in the past, he is much more comfortable playing as a central striker. The same can be said for Venezuelan Ronaldo Peña, whom the Dynamo signed last year. Tommy McNamara and Marlon Hairston are likely to see an increase in minutes, but I question their goalscoring ability. Salazar and/or Ronaldo Peña may be asked to do a job out wide over the next few weeks, especially if the Dynamo are struggling offensively.
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Salazar previously competed in MLS for the MLS, where he made 34 appearances and recorded five goals and three assists in three seasons. It would be fair to say that he failed to reach the stellar heights whilst he was in Canada. He may not be given the opportunity he possibly deserves with Houston because of Manotas’ brilliance, but this is another shrewd piece of business by Senior Vice President/General Manager Matt Jordan and the rest of the management staff.
Houston are temporarily losing one of MLS’ best wingers in Elis. He is one of their best goalscorers and their most dangerous offensive weapon. While Salazar may not be able to replace one of the best wingers in the league, if his recent goalscoring form is anything to go by, he should be able to help the Dynamo maintain their offensive vigour.
In professional football, a goalscorer is invaluable, and in Salazar, the Dynamo might have one at just the right time.