Player Ratings: Houston Dynamo vs. the LA Galaxy

Consistency has been an issue for the Houston Dynamo as they’ve dropped winnable games and their shooting coupled with mistakes at the back are often the reason behind those missed results. Last weekend the Dynamo came up with a huge 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy in front of an electric crowd. LA games typically bring with them more fans as the Galaxy front office is pretty generous with its purse which allows them to sign big name players such as Zlatan Ibrahimović so Dynamo fans turn up more for these higher profile games and turn up they did.

This game had a bit of everything as the Dynamo were able to strike early in both halves, but LA didn’t go away as they continued to claw back with two equalizers. It took Memo Rodríguez in the final minute of regulation time to head home an effort that had ricocheted off the post.

The Top Performers:

Romell Quioto, Man of the Match, (8.6) – Since coming back to the starting lineup, Romell Quioto has been the most dangerous player on the Dynamo. Against LA he assisted to Alejandro Fuenmayor on a set piece, scored a goal himself on a set piece, and hit the post late in the game which set up Memo’s game winner. Easy choice for Man of the Match.

SUB: Memo Rodríguez (8.1) – Memo really didn’t see a lot of the ball as he only had 7 total touches and 3 passes since coming on in the 84^th minute, but this sport can come down to moments and Memo capitalized on his. With LA equalizing in the 85^th minute it took some air out of a great atmosphere at BBVA. Memo with the ball spotted Boniek running to his right and played him a ball to cross in. Memo darted towards the six yard box and after Quioto hit the post, Memo rose up and nodded the final goal of the game in. What a great play and moment for the young player.

Alberth Elis (7.9) – One thing that has really developed this year for Alberth Elis is his ability to create for others. Last season he was primarily used to be on the end of a cross or ball, but this year he’s coming alive as a playmaker from out wide in a similar way that Quioto has on the left wing. Elis wasn’t able to notch a goal or assist against LA, but he was very good at putting the ball into dangerous areas from the right side of the field. With Quioto playing at such a high level, it’s taken some pressure off Elis to lead this team which is scary if you’re going against the Dynamo.

Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera (6.7) – As exciting and memorable as this game was, it wasn’t perfect if you’re going to examine the game from a tactical and strategic perspective. First, I think putting in Fuenmayor at left center back over Leonardo worked very well. Fuenmayor has struggled since arriving with the Dynamo, but in this game (not even counting his goal) he really looked improved.

I think after getting the early lead, the Dynamo did sit back a little and tried to out-possess the Galaxy. The result was mixed as it allowed LA to create more chances, but none of them really looked especially dangerous. The big problem the Dynamo have had is with turnovers in bad spots. Darwin Cerén in particular gave the ball away twice and both times led to equalizers (the first was far worse than the second giveaway). I think Cerén in general has been outstanding as a stand in for Juan David Cabezas, but these turnovers have been extremely costly and I think we all are hoping Cabezas returns soon.

The Rest of the Starters:

GK: Joe Willis (7.2)

DEF: DaMarcus Beasley (7.3)

DEF: Alejandro Fuenmayor (7.3)

DEF: Adolfo Machado (6.9)

DEF: Andrew Wenger (7.2)

MID: Darwin Cerén (5)

MID: Eric Alexander (6.3)

MID: Tomás Martínez (6.5)

FW: Mauro Manotas (6.3)

The Subs:

DEF: Leonardo (5.9)

MID: Oscar Boniek García (7)