Houston Dynamo FC on right track seeking first win

Houston Dynamo FC supporters haven’t decided whether to hop the bandwagon yet after their 0-1-1 start. But the squad isn’t really sputtering yet. If Houston Dynamo FC wins against Vancouver on March 12, they’ll have the same-looking start as what became the last miserable season. That was 1-1-1 (W-L-D).

So far this season, the team has employed similar starting formations as the go-to 4-3-3 last season. The records only look the same. Houston is playing differently. And the difference is better.

Overall, the players achieved consistency this season. It’s definitely not transforming the kind of play that wins the MLS Cup. Yet it’s a consistency that will win the team some spot in the post-season.

Houston Dynamo FC continue to work hard to set the tone early

In initial scouting reports, midfielder Fafa Picault and defender Adam Lundqvist prove capable matches for anyone on the pitch for Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City, except the ones playing more like superstars.

In the draw with RSL, that superlative performer was midfielder Pablo Ruiz. Opposing the Dynamo, he got off three dribbles while tallying three tackles. He got off only one shot, but his dispossession during the game kept the team fighting for a win.

In the SKC match, the players opposing the Dynamo had four superlative performers, plus one star. That explains why Kansas City went to the locker room with three points, leaving Houston with none. The one everybody watched is midfielder Remi Walter. He played right in the middle of the Kansas City 4-3-3.

There he scored the only goal needed in a strongly defended game. Kansas City manager Peter Vermes explained, he expected Walter to perform as an eight/six. That means he’s first to play central midfield – box to box – but use his versatility to perform as holding midfielder when needed.

Walter was assisted in both his assignments mainly by two forwards and two defenders performing superlatively. Those were forwards Daniel Salloi and Johnny Russell, as well as defenders Andreu Fontas and Graham Zusi.

With all teammates working in concert, Walter scored a goal on two shots. He also got in a dribble and won three aerials. But the goal came in the 60th minute with plenty of game time left. And Houston Dynamo FC made efforts to answer.

Although unable to answer, Houston made competent attempts to do so. The number one reason they stayed in the game until the end was the superlative performance of goalkeeper Steve Clark. He has been the best in goal for the team in many seasons.

Clark was signed through the 2023 season only last December. The team will be exercising options on him for the next two seasons after that. In the first two games, he has one clean sheet, a punch, and two clearances.

Clutch saves are expected with a keeper like Clark. So all the Dynamo need is for Clark to keep doing his job. Then the team needs the rest of the players to get just a little better and stay consistent. Then the wins will keep adding up.