Houston Dynamo enter the new season on much better footing, standing sixth in the Western Conference with 48 points, thus having already clinched qualification into the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs. It is the first time the Texas team have qualified for the postseason in back-to-back years since 2013. Still, bigger things are expected of Ben Olsen's squad than mere qualification. With three games remaining in the regular season, Dynamo is only two points out of fourth place and the advantage of home-field in the first round of the playoffs.
Dynamo Hot with Three Games Remaining
One of the biggest strengths Houston has enjoyed this season is their defense. Having let in only 34 goals so far, Dynamo boast the second-best defense in MLS, tied for fewest goals allowed in the Western Conference. It's this kind of defensive balance that has, in many ways, been the substantial factor to their thirteen wins this season. Their organized backline, together with the dominant possession-most often averaging 59.6%-means the team controls the tempo and dictates the flow of the match.
Even though Dynamo had lost 1-0 in their latest game against the Seattle Sounders, they have been consistent across their last 17 MLS matches with 14 matches unbeaten. As an attack, Dynamo has managed to find the back of the net 30 times in that period, therefore they can be one of the most dangerous teams whenever given space. New England Revolution: Is There Still Hope?
While things look fairly comfortable for Houston Dynamo, the same cannot be said about New England Revolution. The Massachusetts-based team is still searching for a miracle that would see it make playoffs. With 31 points and sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference, the Revs are six points from the playoff line with only four games left in the regular season.
The Revolution had reasons to be hopeful with their recent win over Nashville SC with a 1-0 score. The goal by Brandon Bye in the 86 minutes, together with a sterling performance from goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič, proved important in keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. Still, New England has to pile up the wins and hope other teams in front of them start to slip.
Giacomo Vrioni has carried New England's attack this season along with Carles Gil. They have combined for 15 goals and 11 assists this season, and they will be key players if New England are to have any late playoff push in the final stretch of this campaign.