Friday, March 23, 2012

Houston Dynamo - Road Warriors

When the Houston Dynamo schedule revealed seven road game and not the first until May, I was not happy.  I thought it was a chicken move by MLS to start the team off on the road.  I also blamed all involved with the new stadium construction for such crappy timing.  I also didn't think it unreasonable to allow the home team to play two or three final games at Robertson Stadium.  It seemed the fair thing to do.

The only thing working in the Dynamo's favor is the fact they get an unbalanced number of home games later in the season.

Given the first seven on the road, it becomes crucial that the Dynamo start off well on the road.  Which is a tall order for a team that only won two road games and those were late in the season.  Seven games, 21 points on the table for the team.  So far they are s 2-0 on the road and six crucial points on the standings.

While I appreciate the wins, I do have some early concerns about the offense.

In the first game against Chivas USA, Andre Hainault scored the game winner late in stoppage time at the end of the game.  Brian Ching and Will Bruin both had opportunities to score but were unable to find the back of the net.

I didn't see the whole game, but against San Jose, Brad Davis converted a penalty kick that resulted in the game's only goal.

Commentators in both games think the Dynamo have the best defense in the league.  I'm find with that because defense will win many low scoring games or draw.  On the flip side, that same defense will make things easier when the offense puts more balls in the goal.  A 2-0 lead is easier to defend than hanging on to a 1-0 lead...like against San Jose this weekend.

I'd love for the Dynamo to return home with the full 21 points in the bag.  Realistically that won't happen.  With five remaining road games, I'll even take 1-2-2 record...one more win and two draws nets 5 more points.  11 points through seven games isn't to shabby.

Go Dynamo!

Dynamo 1 Chivas 0


Dynamo 1 Earthquakes 0

My Sports Allegiances

My favorite teams are in no particular order: Houston Texans, San Antonio Spurs(NBA champs 99, 03, 05, 07, 14) and the Houston Cougars, Pittsburgh Penguins (Stanley Cups 91, 92, 08, 16, 17)
My secondary teams are: Houston Dynamo(MLS Champs 06, 07), Houston Astros (NL Champs 05), Houston Rockets (NBA Champs 94, 95)
Teams I Hate: Anything out of Dallas
Teams I Enjoy Seeing Lose: Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, Baylor Bears football
Teams that are Insignificant: rice owls