Houston Dynamo

The Houston Dynamo started the fireworks early in their Fourth of July celebration in Houston with a 4-0 win over the New York Red Bulls. The win was significant for a number of reasons and could be the catalyst to its first MLS Cup title since 2007. Next up on the list: FC Cincinatti.

Saturday’s win was the first in more then a month for head coach Wilmer Cabrera’s side. His men have been struggling with eight starters out for various reasons. Now with them back, he expects the team to play like it did at the beginning of the season when they won six of their first eight.

“I usually encourage and am happy with the way they try,” explained Cabrera. “So all the players try to do it but it is difficult—it was difficult. Today, we needed to win for themselves to regain confidence because now we are in a position—the standings were we are at the edge. So, we need to get back and hopefully this win helps us to get the confidence to say ‘okay, it was a difficult moment but it’s behind us, now we move forward.”

Road hazards

Houston is one of the worst road teams in Major League soccer, not just this season but all-time. At one win, six losses and zero draws only FC Cincnnati is worse in 2019. That in itself may well be the silver lining. FCC has a -27 goal differential and growing. Cincinnati allowed seven goals in their loss to Minnesota United on July 2, 2019. Houston’s four goal outburst against NYRB on Saturday is conducive of their their capability.Ironic that this breakout matched their total output since May 18, 2019.

Over the history of the organization, the Dynamo have lost 92 of 195 road games with a goal differential of -97. Not a good track record to say the least. Defender Adam Lundkvist had the answer turning the road woes around.

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“It (tonight) was a step in the right direction in how to keep on working,” said Lundkvist after the team win Saturday night. “We have to pick up the things we did great and continue doing it, even when we go away. But, you know we are really comfortable playing at home. We got to get better playing away, and most importantly get the points. Sometimes, it’s going to be hard to be able to grind it out and just get the points away from home. We need to take the good parts from this game and bring them to Cincinnati. We know we’re playing a team that’s looking for points, so we have to go there and try to improve. Sometimes it’s going to be hard playing on the road, and we have to be able to play through it.”

One game at a time

One win in the books with most of the team back and ready for assignment. Wednesday night’s win was a symbol of what everyone from the organization to the fans expect each time the Dynamo take the pitch. Realistically, we know there will be wins and losses and draws however if this team can put out the effort in each match that they gave over the Red Bulls on Wednesday no one will have a complaint, win, lose or draw.