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The Houston Dynamo snapped their winless streak that spanned four games including two home losses with their 5-1 win over Toronto FC. The Dynamo looked dominant from top to bottom in the win, although their competition opted to rest several key players with Head Coach Greg Vanney focused on the Champions League Final.
Quick Thoughts about the Game:
1) This is the game the Dynamo really needed to remember their identity. They’re a quick, counter attacking team that shouldn’t sit back on a lead. They largely didn’t sit back which could have given some of the young players in Toronto FC’s lineup something to play for. The Dynamo really didn’t look like they were ready to slow down and it showed on the scoreboard. They also let TFC chase the game as opportunities that didn’t pan out, the Dynamo were content to move the ball back and find another chance. This is what good teams do to hold leads – they keep their opponent off the ball and they keep the ball largely away from their own goal. Possibly the best thing to come out of this game was we saw our attacking players finishing off their chances which had been a problem during their winless streak.
2) With Romell Quioto, Mauro Manotas, and Alberth Elis starting together, we saw this team play with width which opened up a lot of space for our players to get out and run. Quioto himself should be the man of the match in this one with a hand in all goals scored and he finished with a goal himself and two assists.
3) Defensively this team held up pretty well. Yes, they allowed a goal, and conceded a penalty late (which was saved by Joe Willis), but as I’ve said many times, the way this team is constructed, they will give up goals from time to time. The offense needs to be there to support the defense by scoring which they did Saturday. Andrew Wenger getting the start at right back may be the answer at the position until A. J. DeLaGarza returns from injury. Wenger is very good at staying in front of opponents which makes it difficult for them to whip in crosses.
4) This game should be a good confidence builder moving forward. They should stay grounded knowing Toronto essentially played its B team, but for our offensive players seeing your shots go in does help. For the defense, seeing Joe Willis deny a penalty late also helps knowing that your goalkeeper can help bail you out from time to time. The Dynamo have two draws on the road this season and now head to Minnesota for their next match. Hopefully they can ride some of this momentum.