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The final home match for the Dynamo in the 2016 season didn't go as planned, losing to the LA Galaxy 1-0 Sunday afternoon.
The Galaxy were able to help their cause for playoff positioning in the MLS Western Conference. Meanwhile for the Dynamo – who wrap up the season next Sunday at Colorado – are left reflecting on a disappointing season, and pondering what's in store for 2017.
"I do feel like we've put some good principles into place," Dynamo coach Wade Barrett said after the match. "I think we've learned a lot as a staff in the last three to four months about the team, and about how they can handle what we throw at them. So I do feel like we're in a better place now – heading into next year."
Barrett and the Dynamo have a final road game ahead next weekend before the team's brass begin to make decisions on players and Barrett himself. If it's any consolation to Barrett, the support he's gotten from his peers around the league have been positive.
The latest to compliment Barrett was former USMNT boss and current Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena, praising him for keeping the Dynamo motivated.
"Give the Dynamo a lot of credit; given the fact that they've been eliminated from the playoffs, they still come out every game," Arena said. "I think it was last Saturday, Colorado came in here and [the Dynamo] gave them a hard game, could've got a result there. Obviously got a result in Seattle, and fought till the closing minutes with us. I give Wade a lot of credit with the job he's done."
Although Barrett is confident that principles have been put into place to lead the Dynamo toward 2017 season, his biggest regret is not sending the BBVA faithful home with more victories.
"I still want to deliver points at home. I think we've done a pretty good job on the road – it's been four unbeaten on the road. But it's disappointing when we can't deliver points at home. I've said this multiple times, we want to inspire people to come to the stadium. It doesn't have to be through a win every time; sometimes it can be through good play, good combination through midfield, a good defensive play. But we do need to reward ourselves and the people that come to the stadium with wins at home. That's something we need to improve on."