Dynamo can’t control Crew SC, fall 4-1 in preseason finale

The Dynamo entered their final game of the preseason and their final 2020 Visit Tucson Sun Cup match and let’s just say it didn’t go well against Columbus Crew SC. After a commanding 4-0 performance the Dynamo were downed 1-4.

The Dynamo got off to a disastrous start with Crew SC playing fast and aggressive with their possession. Inside the first minute they got the ball out wide and played a cross which met the head of Gyasi Zardes who beat Marko Marić. 1-0 to the Crew.

Just a couple of minutes later it would get worse for Houston as they conceded another header this time coming from a corner kick.

Following the early shock, the Dynamo played themselves back in a bit by increasing their possession and finding some luck going forward, however the Crew were not done opening up their lead. Following a counter attack, a Crew forward broke loose and got 1v1 with Marić and was able to chip the Croatian keeper.

Tab Ramos tried to make a tactical adjustment before the 25^th minute by bringing on José Bizama for the struggling Alejandro Fuenmayor and as soon as the change was made Zardes bounced in a fourth goal for Columbus. An attacker got free on our left side of the field and played one across goal which Zardes met and one-timed it into the net.

After the halftime whistle, Houston would go into the locker room down 4 goals. Columbus came out aggressively and caught the Dynamo completely off guard scoring twice very quickly. After that as the Dynamo tried to make adjustments, they looked unorganized which Crew SC exploited to pile it on. The back line in particular lacked organization with Bizama and Adam Lundqvist getting beaten out wide and Fuenmayor lacking positional awareness.

The Dynamo came out a lot stronger at the start of the second half with Mauro Manotas striking the post and then Tommy McNamara getting a goal back for Houston. Some lazy passing out of the back by the Crew saw Tommy Mac pounce on a loose ball and beat Crew goalkeeper Eloy Room.

Substitute Darwin Quintero played an excellent through ball to Manotas who slotted a goal through the legs of Room, but the flag would go up for offsides.

After 90 minutes, the Dynamo would fall 1-4 and although the second half looked improved over the second, it seems Tab Ramos still has to iron out some defensive issues lingering from the season prior.

Next up for the Dynamo is their MLS and home opener where they’ll take on the LA Galaxy at 2:30 PM CT at BBVA Stadium in Houston, TX.

Lineups:

Houston Dynamo:

Columbus Crew SC: