Sometimes things just click. Sometimes you break out of scoring droughts, both individually and as a team. Sometimes you play Chivas USA. All of those things happened for the Dynamo on Saturday night at BBVA Compass Stadium, resulting in a 5-1 win and a huge 3 points in the tight East playoff race.
The 5 goals scored tied a franchise record for the Dynamo, set back on April 2, 2006, the Dynamo’s first ever MLS match where they defeated the Colorado Rapids 5-2. Giles Barnes and Oscar Boniek Garcia both scored twice with Will Bruin also breaking his scoring drought and getting on the score sheet.
On Wednesday the Dynamo took on W Connection from Trinidad and Tobago in CONCACAF Champions League Action. Rookie Jason Johnson scored a wonderful goal to lead the Dynamo to a 2-0 victory and the top spot in Group 1. With the win the Dynamo now need just a draw in their final CCL group match to advance. That match will take place in Panama against Arabe Unido on October 24th.
Houston now enters the most difficult stretch of their season, one that will most likely determine their playoff fate. The Dynamo currently sit 4th in the Eastern Conference, with the top 5 teams making the playoffs. The next 4 games for Houston are against those other 4 teams currently in playoff positions in the East. It starts tonight with the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.
New England and Houston have had some exciting games already this season. Back on May 18th, the Revolution came into BBVA Compass Stadium and beat the Dynamo 2-0. The Dynamo then returned the favor at Gillette on July 13 with a 2-1 win behind 2 goals from the now departed Adam Moffat.
Dynamo fans will eagerly await Dom Kinner’s lineup choices for this game as a number of players could play a role and would deserve spots in the starting lineup. Will the Dynamo play a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2? Will Warren Creavalle start? In midfield or defense? Will Servando Carrasco start as a holding midfielder? Who partners Will Bruin in the attack? Cam Weaver, Giles Barnes? Is Omar Cummings ready to start and contribute after playing midweek? Is Calen Carr ready to return? All of these questions surround this huge match up in New England.
Look for the Dynamo to play a little more defensive to try and take away quick strike chances for the dangerous offensive players on the Revolution. The best chance at a Houston goal will likely come on the counter attack. Brad Davis and Boniek are capable of breaking out quickly and orchestrating a goal scoring attack.
If the Dynamo can control possession I see them winning again in New England. A draw would be a good result as well. Every point is vital as the Dynamo fight to get into the MLS Cup playoffs.
