Dynamo/Dash Delivery: Do the Dynamo need a defensive change? Dash sign two

Houston Dynamo

Saturday’s 2-1 loss at FC Dallas was another could’ve, would’ve, moment for the Houston Dynamo in a lament of woes for missed opportunities. The loss ended Houston’s unbeaten streak but more importantly, was a missed three points.

The Dynamo get an “E” for effort but without some kind of significant change to the back line, this club is going to have trouble staying consistent. Second half goals that cost the team wins have become a mainstay for the organization, and the results have become predictable.

Yes, the Dynamo have only played a handful of games under Tab Ramos, however of the 17 goals surrendered by the club, eight have come after the hour mark. Four of those have cost the Dynamo points. Even worse, two came in 90^th minute stoppage time, turning three points into one. Houston has yet to score a goal after the 85^th minute.

Three of Houston’s five draws have been late game equalizers, meaning they all came with less than 30 minutes left in the match. Had Houston gained nine points instead of three, they would be sitting at the top of the table instead of playing for their playoff lives game in and game out.

Stubbornness cost Wilmer Cabrera, Owen Coyle (sort of), and some might say even Dominic Kinnear, and it will cost Ramos too if they cannot figure out a way to flip the table.

Good teams find a way to get it done. With Minnesota coming to town, it’s time for Houston to find a way to finish out a match when the game is on the line. With a plethora of injuries, MUNFC is ready to be Houston’s cure, but they have to execute the game plan. If they can’t perform on the pitch for 90 plus minutes, it’s time to stop talking about expectations and make the necessary change to attain them.

Houston Dash

The Houston Dash followed up their Challenge Cup win with an equally stirring performance against the NWSL defending champion North Carolina Courage in the team’s return to action. The 4-3 loss was disappointing because of the lateness of the goals, however unlike in years past, the team showed it can indeed play at a high level without some of their best players.

As the team prepares for its September 26^th home game against the Orlando Pride, the Dash announced a couple of solid signings. First they inked a talented forward in Shaina Ashouri. The Colorado native has been playing for Athletic FC in the men’s semi-pro UPSL league here in Houston. Ashouri finished her collegiate career at the University of Wyoming from 2016-2017 after spending her first two years at the University of Pittsburgh from 2014-2015. At Wyoming, she tied the program’s record for total points in a single season and totaled 13 goals and 7 assists. A proven goal scorer, she tallied two goals and two assists in eight appearances with the WPSL side TTI Bluebonnets before coming to Houston.

The other signing brings an equally talented midfielder to Houston in the form of Jaci Jones. The Oklahoma native spent four years at Oklahoma State University recording 18 goals and 21 assists in 82 appearances. Jones had been called into the Chicago Red Stars 2020 preseason training before returning home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both signings give Dash head coach James Clarkson added depth and talent in the attacking third. The two will be eligible to make their NWSL debuts at BBVA Stadium in Houston next weekend.