Dynamo Talk: Houston Avoids Home Loss with Draw

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In a tale of two different seasons, the Dynamo managed to tie against Sporting KC to remain unbeaten at home. Meanwhile, KC remains winless away from home.

It seems these days in the sports world the West is a tough place to win in. In particular, look at the NBA’s Western Conference and all of the teams that battle for a chance at a title. Unfortunately, the MLS version of the West is just as tough.

Despite all of that, the Houston Dynamo have managed to hold up well in the Western Conference. So well that they look like serious contenders for the MLS title this time around. But what exactly has led to such a strong start for the Dynamo this year? Well several factors, but one important thing has changed this season. Houston has been very tough to take down at home.

However, this season has seen a mostly healthy Dynamo squad and more than anything, this team plays for each other and looks as together as I can recall. Unfortunately, Sporting KC does not look as unified as their West rivals. Outside of their home stadium, Children’s Mercy Park, KC has not managed to pick up good wins on the road.

With those squandered opportunities, KC sits in 10th place in that gauntlet called the West. On the other hand, the team that came back to tie the game, the Dynamo, sit in fourth place and are looking to improve themselves as the season goes on.

This game proves that the Dynamo should never be counted out of any game. The deficit will not matter. This team is capable of coming back at any moment. Things were fairly slow all game long, with both goals coming in between minutes 60 and 70.

Alberth Elis tied the game up in the 69th minute and the score wouldn’t budge from there. However, it is rather disappointing that the Dynamo couldn’t secure this win because it would’ve been a huge help in the standings for them. The pass was a beauty delivered by A.J. DeLaGarza’s head.

Despite the fact that KC owned the possession meter, the Dynamo created the most chances to win this game. In fact, Houston shot a total of 15 shots all game with five coming on target. Compare that to KC, which attempted five shots and only had one on target.

One more factor to take into account about this game is that KC is among the worst teams in the clean sheets department. In fact, they are tied in the league for the fewest clean sheets. There is still hope for Sporting KC, however. While they do sit in 10th place, they are only three points out of the sixth and final playoff spot. Remember this is the tough West.

Meanwhile, Houston continues to really impress as the season goes on. Romell Quioto has recently earned more playing time, the back line has played exceptionally well, and Mauro Manotas continues to be a threat on the forward line.

As I’ve continuously said over the course of this season, the Dynamo are as good as they are thanks to their health and defense. However, and I will stand by this all season long, Houston will go as far as their health stays in tact. This team as currently constructed can compete and win a title. There is one X-factor that can really steer this team to a title. And that guy is Elis.

To put it plain and simple, Alberth Elis is a beast on the ball and off. The man can slash through the middle and score, or easily make a beautiful pass to someone open. In fact, he literally looks like a gazelle running up and down the field. His pace is perfect and he even plays some nice on-ball defense.

It will certainly be an interesting season as it continues to progress. However, the Dynamo must maintain their discipline. If they can hold on to that and their defense, watch out.

Their next match will be in the United States Open Cup. On June 11th they will host Austin Bold FC before the international break kicks in. After this match players will prepare to represent their CONCACAF nations at the Gold Cup, which kicks off June 15th.

For more MLS and Gold Cup coverage this summer, stay tuned to NGSC Sports for the latest in soccer and all other major sports.

Until next time, Orange Nation.

About Post Author

Eric Magana

Hardworking, loyal, and passionate. I love the people that surround me because they allow me to be who I am. A lover of sports, video games, and life itself. I am a son, a brother, an uncle, and a person who holds nothing but love in his heart. I do this for Rosa Maria Magana and Edward Magana. A.k.a my folks in heaven. Music and sports keep me alive and well. Houston, Texas.

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