It's been a season of unfavorable adjectives for the Houston Dynamo. Frustrating, tumultuous, disappointing, oft-injured (is that an adjective?). Most importantly, it's the first time since the franchise moved from San Jose that they will not be a part of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Despite all that, Saturday's season finale at Robertson Stadium against the Seattle Sounders is on the verge of being sold out. That's really all the proof you need to realize that the future for the Dynamo is bright and the support for the team is as strong as it's ever been.
So get your tickets before they are gone and come enjoy Fan Appreciation Day...then check out five things you need to know about the final match of the 2010 season.
1. The Dynamo are motivated to finish the season strong, but in addition to that, Houston can effect the Sounders seeding in the playoffs with a victory on Saturday. Seattle however leads the all-time series, 1-3-2
2. Colin Clark continues to recover from knee surgery and is unavailable Saturday. Brian Ching, Anthony Obadai and Tally Hall remain question marks with lingering injuries.
3. Brad Davis has 10 assist this season, two shy of his career high of 12 that he set in 2009.
4. 2010 season will be the shortest in team history, with the Dynamo playing 36 games in all competitions. Houston played 39 games in 2006, 43 in 2007, an MLS record 48 in 2008, and 44 in 2009.
5. While at this point, anything involving the roster is speculation, there is a very good chance Saturday's match could be the final game in a Dynamo jersey for several players. Changes are expected in the off season as the team looks to retool and prepare for a better 2011 season.