Houston Dynamo Player Ratings vs. Orlando City SC

Quick Thoughts:

1) The Dynamo are becoming a difficult team to play against, and our effort on the defensive side should be recognized and appreciated. However, finishing was especially poor in this game and support and pressure higher up the field were completely lacking as the Dynamo sat in to what became an ugly midfield skirmish.

2) The team still out performed the home side in many ways including shots, shots on target, tackles, and duels won (50/50 balls), but somehow we can't get things together to get a result above a road point and this was a very winnable game.

3) Tyler Deric had some heroic moments as he came up big several times to keep Orlando off the score sheet. Many of these moments were him coming off his line and making a play, something that in the past has gotten him sent off, but this time his plays were a big difference in the Dynamo's favor.

Houston Dynamo Player Ratings

Tyler Deric, MotM, (8) -€” While technically only registering 1 save, Deric had 3 moments in this game where he kept the Dynamo in this game. The first was when he denied a cross to Cyle Larin, the second was his alert play to deny a shot by Kevin Molino on a 1v1, and the last play was him punching the ball from underneath Larin in another alert 1v1 play.

DaMarcus Beasley (6) -€” Beasley really didn't get up the field the way that he has in previous fixtures, but he definitely put in the work on the defensive side while moving the ball with over a 90% passing accuracy. Beas would end up coming out of the game due to injury, one that will sideline him for the next few weeks as he had a minor procedure on his left knee.

David Horst (6) -€” At times Horst was out of position, notably on Kevin Molino's closest attempt on goal as Horst covered Larin, who was marked by Beasley on the play, and got out of the way to allow Molino space to shoot. However, Horst quietly played well amassing 3 tackles around central midfield along with 3 intercepted passes while passing a respectable 83.3% out of the back himself.

Raul Rodriguez (7) -€” While not up to his usual par of passing, apart from Deric, Rodriguez was a big reason the Dynamo were so stingy in the back. Rodriguez had one great play following a Brek Shea cross where he slid in to kick the ball away just as it was coming to the feet of the reigning rookie of the year Cyle Larin. Rodriguez had 4 big tackles and 3 stolen passes as well.

Jalil Anibaba (5.5) -€” It was a mixed bag for Anibaba who was very active pushing up the field and combining with Giles Barnes and later Andrew Wenger which resulted in 3 key crosses and passes to set up chances for the Dynamo. Defensively, Anibaba was getting worked over by Brek Shea whose combination of speed, creativity, and strength consistently led to dangerous crosses from Shea on Anibaba's side of the field.

Ricardo Clark (6) -€” Like Beasley, Clark didn't get forward as often as he usually did which was likely a big reason the offense suffered: a lack of support from the fullbacks and midfielders. However, Clark still maneuvered the ball through central midfield with 88% passing accuracy while holding things down defensively which included 4 tackles and a blocked shot inside the 6 yard box.

Oscar Boniek Garcia (4.5) -€” I've raved about Boniek's performances in previous fixtures, but he struggled to get going against Orlando. His dribbling wasn't up to this season's standard, his shot was often well off target, and he didn't pass well.

Collen Warner (5.5) -€” Pretty okay evening for Warner who passed well for a CDM at over 80% and he made a few good defensive plays with 1 tackle and 2 intercepted passes. Warner was good at recovering the ball in our half and not turning it over to transition into offense.

Alex (6) -€” Alex was one of the more dangerous attacking players in the first half as his shot during a quick counter attack was among the "highlights", but his low effort wasn't placed perfectly and Orlando goalkeeper Joe Bendik was able to push it away for a Dynamo corner.

Giles Barnes (5) -€” Barnes gets some credit for having the closest shot without going in as his low shot ricocheted off the post. Apart from that effort, the Dynamo had trouble getting Barnes involved in the game. Barnes was able to earn some corner kicks, but not too much else.

Will Bruin (5.5) -€” It was another one of those nights for Bruin, who didn't have too much help. Bruin passed well for a center forward at 80% and had one individual play where he slalomed through defenders and took a shot on goal. In this scoreless game, Bruin was the most active player with 5 shots and 2 shots on target -€” both more than any other player. Still, his finishing must improve even if he is without support.

The Subs:

Andrew Wenger (6) -€” Wenger entered the game for Alex Lima in the 58^th minute and though Wenger didn't see a lot of the ball, he was effective with it when he had it as he passed flawlessly including a pair of key passes that went into the Orlando 18 yard box.

Sheanon Williams (5.5) -€” Replaced the injured DaMarcus Beasley in the 67^th minute, Williams really had a quiet evening. He passed the ball okay, had an intercepted pass, but Orlando didn't move the ball too often through this side of the field.

Cristian Maidana (6.5) -€” Chaco Maidana has played well in short bursts his last few appearances and in this game he came on for Will Bruin in the 74^th minute. This game was no different as he provided plenty of possession in the final third of the field along with 2 key passes.

Coach Wade Barrett (5) -€” Wade Barrett's strategy seems to be, "make yourself difficult to play against", which is absolutely fine, but the higher pressing style of play that makes this Dynamo team effective was underutilized against Orlando. Defensively, this team did an outstanding job, but the offense and support to the offense just isn't there right now. Will it get there? Maybe, but if the team can't provide pressure or support higher up the field, we need to change the personnel to finish what few chances we have.