Dynamo Theory - CONCACAF Champions League: Houston Dynamo vs Santos LagunaYou may all go to hell and I will support the Dynamo.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48763/dynamotheory-fave.png2013-03-18T11:00:09-05:00http://www.dynamotheory.com/rss/stream/38067512013-03-18T11:00:09-05:002013-03-18T11:00:09-05:00Herculez Gomez Talks Dynamo, Seattle, and CCL.
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<p>Santos Laguna and USMNT striker Herculez Gomez talks with the Ordinary Orange Fan about the Houston Dynamo, the upcoming CCL semifinals against Seattle, and more. </p> <p>Last Wednesday, the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals by Mexican club Santos Laguna 3-1 on aggregate. Los Guerreros lost the first leg 1-0 at BBVA Compass Stadium behind a late <span>Brad Davis</span> goal. With Houston headed into the second leg with a slim lead, the Dynamo knew they had a tough mountain to climb. In the end, it wasn't enough, and the Dynamo bowed out of the tournament after the road loss.</p>
<p>After the first match on March 5, Santos coach Pedro Caixinha was<a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/11/4081796/ccl-santos-confidence-is-well-deserved-but-the-dynamo-can-silence"> extremely confident in his side</a> - both when describing the first leg and in brief comments about the second leg. His comments were described by many as "over the top" and "arrogant."</p>
<p>Liga MX clubs have dominated CCL for a long time - that is no secret. This year, Seattle and Los Angeles will try and turn around those results in the semifinals, but only time will tell if they have what it takes to take down either Santos or Monterrey.</p>
<p>Santos in particular have been in great form lately, in both CCL and Liga MX. After beating Houston in aggregate in the quarterfinals, I talked with Santos Laguna and USMNT striker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/111388/herculez-gomez" class="sbn-auto-link">Herculez Gomez</a> to get his thoughts on a number of topics.</p>
<p>We talked attendance in Estadio Corona, his goal in the match, his thoughts on Seattle's historic win over Tigres, and of course touched on Portuguese coach Pedro Caixinha's comments and his impact on the club.</p>
<p>Shortly before the match, Santos announced the match had officially sold out. Estadio Corona seats 30,000 and shortly after the start of the game, you couldn't see an empty seat in the building. "There were 3000 people outside the gate waiting to get in," Gomez told me.</p>
<p>It should be noted that last year in the CCL quarterfinals, Santos and Seattle drew 14,278 when they played in Estadio Corona. The club didn't mess around this year and were able to pack the house against Houston. Knowing how important the fans are to Santos' success in Estadio Corona, Gomez contributed to ensuring the green seats were filled on Wednesday.</p>
<p>"I personally purchased 100 tickets on my own and gave them away," Gomez said.</p>
<p>A packed house definitely contributes to a team's success on their home pitch - Dynamo fans know this well. On Wednesday, Estadio Corona was rocking and definitely played a part in the victory for Santos.</p>
<p>As for their latest victim on their quest for a CCL title, Gomez had plenty of praise for the Dynamo, but also made Santos' mission very clear.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"We want to be considered the best. We want to rub shoulders with the best. </i></p>
<p><i>We want to literally win this tournament and compete at the Club World Cup.</i></p>
<p><i>For us it was instrumental to get by Houston. </i><i>It wasn't easy; you can't take anything away from them. They've done plenty to get here and to be in this position.</i></p>
<p><i>For us it was about doing what we set out to do at the beginning of the season.</i></p>
<p><i>And it just so happens it was Houston this go round."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The three Dynamo goals came off of a penalty, a defensive breakdown due to communication, and a player left completely unmarked in the box. You could call these silly or preventable mistakes; but on the other hand, Santos deserves their credit for putting the pressure on Houston too.</p>
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<p><i>"You could say Houston made silly mistakes or you could say we forced them into mistakes. I'd like to think it's the latter. </i></p>
<p><i>I'd like to think that collectively with the home field, with the crowd, with our play, our intensity, we forced Houston to back up into a wall and we made them commit some silly mistakes that maybe isn't characteristic of them. But that's what good teams do.</i></p>
<p><i>I think people need to not focus on what Houston didn't do, or what they stopped doing, but what we forced them to do."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>In the 28th minute, Herculez Gomez scored the second goal for Santos. Tally Hall and <span>Bobby Boswell</span> were both headed towards a dangerous ball, but seemed to think the other would clear it. Gomez never gave up on the play and was able to angle the ball between the two players and into the back of the net.</p>
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<p><i>"At that time, I don't recall who laid the ball off, but they laid it off to Calderon. As soon as I saw him, I knew he was going to pop it into space. </i></p>
<p><i>Houston's been backing off on us pretty much the whole series. They don't want to get beat behind or stretched.</i></p>
<p><i>I knew they'd already be covering that space but the ball went there and I didn't want to make it easy on the defender. He's now facing his own goal, so I'm hoping he maybe plays it out for a corner kick.</i></p>
<p><i>I see Tally running out, and at this point when I see Bobby slowing down, I think I can come over his shoulder on his blind side and maybe give it a poke. As I come over, I notice I have a significant space to kinda hit the ball. At that point, I thought that Tally and I would kinda collide or maybe hit the ball at the same time, so I figured I'd hit the ball as hard as I could.</i></p>
<p><i>It just so happens I got there before Tally and I was fortunate enough that it went the direction of the goal, and it went in. Pretty typical play on my part of not giving up on a play."</i></p>
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<p>Gomez' goal celebration was one fans will remember for a long time - well at least the fans involved. Gomez leaped over the ads alongside the field and jumped into the stands - Lambeau Field style. Well, not really - see in Torreon they have their own name for it.</p>
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<p><i>"I remember jumping over the advertisement signs and literally fell into a pit. Down here in Mexico, they have maybe a 4 foot drop off from the stands and the fans to the field. I remember falling in there and was lucky to not break something. I popped up and jumped into the stands, and it was pretty cool. </i></p>
<p><i>Doing our own Lambeau Leap, they've been dubbing it the Laguna Leap."</i></p>
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<p>Gomez and midfielder Marc Crosas are teammates, but also friends off the field. Crosas scored what is definitely Santos' most important goal of the night - the third. Prior to the goal, Houston was pressing to score. One goal would have put them in the driver's seat to advancing due to the away goals tiebreaker. Crosas' goal put Houston's dream out of reach.</p>
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<p><i>"We've got this inside joke going around with some of our friends on the team that Marc for the life of him cannot score [laughs]. The day he scores, it's going to be apocalyptic. So when he scored it was really funny, nice to see him react at how the ball went in. Plus it was a big goal for us. </i></p>
<p><i>Houston was applying some pressure, we had no legs left, and we were out of subs. We were only attacking with two players - Darwin Quintero and myself. So when that goal went it, it was a huge relief for us."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Santos' success is undeniable. Not only are they on track to make the Mexican liguilla this season, they have a chance to get to the CCL final for the second year in a row - that's no accident. But in the Apertura 2012 (one season removed from a championship), Santos didn't make the playoffs and decided to make some changes. A couple players were moved out, and Portuguese manager Pedro Caixinha was brought in to manage the club.</p>
<p>In Liga MX, coaching changes can be difficult - especially with foreigners.</p>
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<p><i>"First off, you have to realize [especially in Liga MX] when a coach [from abroad] comes into a new team, a new league, sometimes by media, by fans, even by players, he isn't accepted or the transition doesn't go as easily as it may in other places. You saw that in Chivas with the whole Dutch invasion. </i></p>
<p><i>The transition with Pedro coming on was pretty much the same cause it's a culture shock for a lot of players here. It's a different system, a different way of training, a different way of acting on and off the field. Things like that kind of jolt the system.</i></p>
<p><i>And he was no different. He came in and he had his philosophies and our preseason was insane, and our training sessions are still insane. But then, little by little, as time goes on, you start noticing these changes - not only in yourself, but your teammate's habits, your training habits, your team's way of thinking." </i></p>
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<p>Most MLS fans think of Santos solely as an attacking team and don't give their defense the credit it deserves. Gomez attributes this important change to Caixinha and the example he sets.</p>
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<p><i>"We went from being one of the most attacking teams my first year, attacking at will without consequence to all of a sudden being a better tactical team. Defensively, we're one of the best teams in Mexico.</i></p>
<p><i>It starts at the top with the way the forwards pressure and move, and lock down areas and specific sectors of the field - making it impossible for teams to keep an excess amount of possession on you. And it's a trickledown effect. </i></p>
<p><i>Things like that happen when - when you see him coming in and doing these things and everybody buying in, yeah it does give you that confidence and to see the fruits of your labors."</i></p>
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<p>In regards to Caixinha's post match comments, Gomez made it clear Houston had the respect they deserve for the entire series.</p>
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<p><i>"What he said, that's our coaches opinion, or maybe his confidence.</i></p>
<p><i>Let's be honest, there is a language barrier - his English isn't his first language, Spanish isn't his fist language, sometimes there is a lost in translation sort of feel.</i></p>
<p><i>By no means did we feel we had won the series in the first leg. By no means did we feel Houston didn't deserve to be in the second leg. We respect them; they're a very good team. They've gotten his far for a reason."</i></p>
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<p>Without mixing words, Gomez also made it clear Santos had confidence in their ability to get past Houston.</p>
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<p><i>"But by all means, did we have faith in ourselves? There wasn't once in that first leg where we felt we were in a panic mode or in trouble to where the second leg still wasn't there for the taking."</i></p>
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<p>Next up for Santos Laguna will be a rematch from last year's CCL with MLS side <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Sounders</a>. Last year, Seattle got a big 2-1 lead from their home match, but were left wondering what could've been after a 6-1 loss at the hands of Los Guerreros in Estadio Corona (including a Gomez brace).</p>
<p>Herculez Gomez gives fans a rare opportunity in this day and age - constant interaction and honesty on social media. Now that Houston is behind them, he's turned his attention to the Seattle Sounders and their fans.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden"><p>¡Happy Anniversary Seattle! On this day 1 yr ago you made your first trip to the Estadio Corona .Such fun. ¡Yay! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23CCL">#CCL</a> <a href="http://t.co/RxG8bzyhLI" title="http://twitter.com/herculezg/status/312242606186840064/photo/1">twitter.com/herculezg/stat...</a></p>&mdash; herculez gomez (@herculezg) <a href="https://twitter.com/herculezg/status/312242606186840064">March 14, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Before talking about Seattle, he made sure he talked about the Houston fans and their lack of fun with the striker.</p>
<p>"I'll tell you what; at least Seattle wants to play. At least Seattle wants to have fun on Twitter. Houston didn't want to have any fun," Gomez said.</p>
<p>He does recall one fan - likely a rowdy fan from our supporters groups based on the location.</p>
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<p><i>"There was a fan after the game in Houston as I was walking out of the tunnel, who called me out. He say's "Gomez!" and he puts his finger on his mouth giving me a hush sign. I remember him, thinking ok, that's funny big guy.</i></p>
<p><i>I thought at least he was trying."</i></p>
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<p>Engaging fans is something Gomez does on a regular basis. Over that last few days, Seattle fans and Gomez have had some back and forth banter - but all in good fun.</p>
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<p><i>"Things like that, it's good to do that. It's good for every once in a while to stir the pot. You don't have to be disrespectful, but you can be funny, witty, and have a good conversation with a professional athlete who's trying to actually engage. </i></p>
<p><i>I don't mind mixing it up. I think it's all in good fun. It's all good banter."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Last Tuesday, Seattle made history for Major League Soccer by defeating Liga MX club Tigres. The win was the first time an MLS club defeated a Liga MX club in a knockout round in the CONCACAF tournament. Tigres coach Tuca Ferreti brought a group of youth and reserve players and outside of Seattle the win was overshadowed a bit. <i></i></p>
<p>According to Gomez, Seattle doesn't have to worry about that and has more relevant things to concentrate on.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"There's not going to be an asterisk over their series win. It really doesn't matter if Tigres sent their full squad or their B squad. That should be irrelevant to them.</i></p>
<p><i>What should be relevant to them is they have a chance to face a team that knocked them out about a year ago this day. They have a chance to now host a semifinal game in front of their fans. That should be of relevance to them.</i></p>
<p><i>They have a chance now to make the CONCACAF final. That should be something of relevance.</i></p>
<p><i>Nobody's going to look back three or four years from now and say, "oh, they beat Tigres, but..." That's not going to happen."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>As for the upcoming matches - to be played on April 2 and April 9 - Gomez can't wait to get started.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"It's going to be a great series. It's going to be fun. I for one am looking forward to it. We're playing a great team. </i></p>
<p><i>They're getting help from the league on getting rested, they're getting reinforcements with DP players, and they've got a great home crowd. And they have it in for us right now - so it's gonna be fun."</i></p>
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<p>Some fans reading this may not know much about Santos, their rivalries, or recent success in both league and international play. With Monterrey being just a couple hours away from Torreon, both the Rayados and Tigres are the games Santos fans get up for.</p>
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<p><i>"That's their [fans] games. Those rivalry weeks, whether Tigres or Rayados - you'll hear about it. If you're at the grocery store or at a restaurant, the waiters, people helping you, casual fans they'll let you know - ‘you can't lose this game'."</i></p>
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<p>In the 2011/2012 CONCACAF Champions League final, Monterrey beat Santos for the title and a chance to play in the Club World Cup. Just a month later, in the 2012 Clausura, Santos was crowed champion by making their way through both Tigres and then Monterrey in the final.</p>
<p>Monterrey advanced past Xelajú and will face the <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a> in the other semifinal match. Santos surely isn't thinking past the Sounders, but I wondered if it would be Gomez' preference to get a shot at revenge against Rayados who knocked them out of the CCL last year.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"I'm sure that's who the fans would like to see. It's a clasico for the Santos fans. Maybe not so much for the Monterrey fans, but for the Santos fans for sure.</i></p>
<p><i>On a personal level, I'm not looking past Seattle. I think that would be stupid of me. I think that would be stupid of us. We've got a very good team in front of us. We've got to handle that before we get to the next thing."</i></p>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/18/4113360/herculez-gomez-dynamo-seattle-sounders-cclOrdinary Orange Fan2013-03-15T09:00:07-05:002013-03-15T09:00:07-05:00Video Room: Dynamo Fall to Santos Laguna
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<p>Here's the place to get all the video coverage of the Houston Dynamo's 3-0 win loss against Santos Laguna in one place. Enjoy the match highlights and post game reaction, because that's all that's left of our CCL dreams.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> went into Torreón with a 1-0 lead, but left with nothing on Wednesday night. Three goals from the Liga MX club Santos Laguna was more than enough to see them through to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League. </p>
<p>The Dynamo gave up an early penalty kick, got mixed up in the back when <span>Bobby Boswell</span> and <span>Tally Hall</span> lost communication, and left a player unmarked on the far post. These three defensive mistakes all ended up with a Santos goal. </p>
<p>Santos will head to the semifinals against the Seattle Sounders. Houston is eliminated and will have to wait to the next tournament for a CCL crown.</p>
<p>In the post match press conference, <span>Dominic Kinnear</span> talks about the match, Santos' forwards, and sums it up by saying "sometimes you need to play mistake free."</p>
<p><span>Brad Davis</span> talks about the limited chances the Dynamo had, and how the team kicked themselves in the foot for all three goals. Tally Hall says it's "not our best night" and calls all three goals "preventable."</p>
<p>May be a bit hard to watch, but here is all the video coverage of the Santos loss in once place.</p>
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<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/13/4101794/ccl-santos-laguna-eliminate-houston-dynamo-in-quarterfinals" target="_blank">Dynamo Fall to Santos Laguna, Exit CCL</a>
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<p> </p>
<h4>Match Highlights</h4>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fTej96lmQQk" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1363315601149"></p>
<h4>Post Match Press Conference</h4>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/olnJZFFNOcg" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1363315832534"></p>
<h4>Post Match Player Reactions</h4>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Dvn9uNzfhss" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1363315874208"></p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/15/4106678/dynamo-fall-to-santos-in-ccl-the-video-roomOrdinary Orange Fan2013-03-13T21:57:01-05:002013-03-13T21:57:01-05:00Dynamo Fall to Santos, Exit CCL
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<figcaption>EFE-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Houston Dynamo were eliminated by Santos Laguna in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals by a 3-1 aggregate score. </p> <p>It's hard to explain the how behind tonight's result. In what is normally considered a stellar Dynamo backline, tonight's defensive performance proved to be the culprit to an all too familiar road loss in Mexico.</p>
<p>Heading into the match, the Dynamo held a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead, but three costly defensive mistakes all lead to goals for Santos who won the second leg 3-0 in front of a sold out Estadio Corona.</p>
<p>The Dynamo did well to get through the first 20 minutes unscathed, but the next ten minutes wouldn't be kind to the men in orange. In the 23rd minute, <span>Warren Creavalle</span> was whistled for a foul on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/141626/oribe-peralta" class="sbn-auto-link">Oribe Peralta</a> in the box. Referee Enrico Wijngaarde awarded the home side a penalty kick. Creavalle was inserted in the starting lineup for <span>Corey Ashe</span> who was scratched late due to sickness.</p>
<p>Midfielder Juan Pablo Rodriguez stepped up to the spot, but <span>Tally Hall</span> did well to deflect to shot. Unfortunately for Hall and the Dynamo, the rebound was easily knocked in by Rodriguez for a 1-0 lead.</p>
<p>Just five minutes later, a completely disastrous defensive slip gave Santos a huge advantage - both on the scoreline and mentally. A ball was played way back towards the box, and instead of <span>Bobby Boswell</span> clearing the ball with a streaking <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/111388/herculez-gomez" class="sbn-auto-link">Herculez Gomez</a> on his back, he acted like Hall should get to it. Gomez shot it perfectly through the two Dynamo players into the side netting for a 2-0 lead.</p>
<p>With a 2-0 deficit, a Houston goal would have changed everything. That goal just wasn't to be.</p>
<p>In the 77th minute, a Santos cross found second half subsitute Marc Crosas unmarked on the far post. Crosas punished the Dynamo with a third goal and insurmountable comeback.</p>
<p>In the end, the stats weren't all that unkind to Houston. The Dynamo outshot Santos 13-12, but Santos had a much better performcane putting those shots on frame (9-2 on goal). Houston had more corner kicks and open play crosses, but the lack of finishing combined with the defensive mistakes doomed them.</p>
<p>Santos' win eliminates the Dynamo 3-1 on aggregate. Los Guerreros will move on to the semifinals to face the Seattle Sounders, who eliminated Tigres last night.</p>
<p>I'll leave you with our writer Richard's rant. I think he sums it up nicely.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>My final word: I'm not too terribly shocked about the result. To be honest, I'm not too surprised by it.</p>&mdash; Richard Willis (@elephande) <a href="https://twitter.com/elephande/status/312024358052847616">March 14, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>When you play sloppy and make mistakes against a good side, they'll make you pay. That's what happened here.</p>&mdash; Richard Willis (@elephande) <a href="https://twitter.com/elephande/status/312024597748924416">March 14, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>It's hard enough to win in Torreón without handing the match to Santos Laguna with uncharacteristic mistakes.</p>&mdash; Richard Willis (@elephande) <a href="https://twitter.com/elephande/status/312024766313816064">March 14, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>My hope was that they'd go in there and give a good account of themselves. Unfortunately, that's not really the way it happened.</p>&mdash; Richard Willis (@elephande) <a href="https://twitter.com/elephande/status/312025232431017985">March 14, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Save for the defensive miscues, they really didn't play all too bad. But they had little room for error, and there were many errors.</p>&mdash; Richard Willis (@elephande) <a href="https://twitter.com/elephande/status/312025401281085440">March 14, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>To me, the gameplan they came in with required a lot better defending then they showed.</p>&mdash; Richard Willis (@elephande) <a href="https://twitter.com/elephande/status/312026012336676864">March 14, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I guess that's all I have for now. End of line. /rant</p>&mdash; Richard Willis (@elephande) <a href="https://twitter.com/elephande/status/312026460686778368">March 14, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Oh, and one more thing before I forget: Props to Santos Laguna. They played their game, and did nearly everything right.</p>&mdash; Richard Willis (@elephande) <a href="https://twitter.com/elephande/status/312030618886238208">March 14, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Even on a good day, that's hard to overcome. On a day like this...no chance.</p>&mdash; Richard Willis (@elephande) <a href="https://twitter.com/elephande/status/312030675723235329">March 14, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Dynamo fans, what's your take on tonight's result?</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/13/4101794/ccl-santos-laguna-eliminate-houston-dynamo-in-quarterfinalsOrdinary Orange Fan2013-03-13T18:00:01-05:002013-03-13T18:00:01-05:00Houston Dynamo vs Santos Laguna: Live Game Thread
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<p>Join Dynamo Theory for live coverage of the second leg of the CCL quarterfinals: Houston Dynamo vs Santos Laguna, from Estadio Corona in Torreón.</p> <p> </p>
<p><strong>THE BASICS</strong><br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> at Santos Laguna<br>Wednesday, March 13, 7 p.m. CT<br>Estadio Corona, Torreon, Mexico<br>Dynamo lead 1-0 all-time</p>
<p><strong>BROADCAST INFORMATION</strong><br>FOX Soccer - 7 p.m.<br>La Ranchera 850 - 6:30 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>HEAD-TO-HEAD</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Dynamo hold a 1-0 lead all-time in the series</li>
<li>The Dynamo defeated Santos Laguna 1-0 on March 5 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal series at BBVA Compass Stadium</li>
<li> <span>Brad Davis</span> scored an 83rd-minute goal to give Houston the lead heading into Wednesday's second leg</li>
<li>Houston lineup: <span>Tally Hall</span>; <span>Kofi Sarkodie</span>, <span>Bobby Boswell</span>, <span>Jermaine Taylor</span>, <span>Corey Ashe</span>; <span>Warren Creavalle</span> (Brad Davis 46), <span>Adam Moffat</span>, <span>Ricardo Clark</span> (Andrew Driver 83), <span>Boniek Garcia</span>; <span>Giles Barnes</span> (<span>Brian Ching</span> 70); <span>Will Bruin</span>.</li>
<li>Santos lineup: Oswaldo Sanchez; Jorge Estrada, Aaron Galindo, Felipe Baloy, Osmar Mares; Juan Pablo Rodriguez, Marc Crosas (Nestor Calderon 46), Rodolfo Salinas; Darwin Quintero (Candido Ramirez 87), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/141626/oribe-peralta">Oribe Peralta</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/111388/herculez-gomez">Herculez Gomez</a> (Andres Renteria 72).</li>
</ul>
<div><b>Things of note:</b></div>
<div><br></div>
<p>Santos lineup on Saturday vs Atlante in Liga MX: Oswaldo Sanchez; Jorge Estrada, Andres Galindo, Felipe Baloy, Osmar Mares; Nestor Calderon, Juan Rodriguez, Rodolfo Salinas, Darwin Quintero; Herculez Gomez, Oribe Peralta.</p>
<p><span>Omar Cummings</span> did not travel to Mexico with the Houston Dynamo.</p>
<p>Houston faces <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> Sunday in MLS action on the road.</p>
<p><i>BREAKING:</i> Santos has announced tonight's game is a SELLOUT! 30K packed into the stadium. Last year, when they hosted Seattle in QF play, they got 14k. Could be a factor.</p>
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<p> </p>
<h4>PREGAME READING:</h4>
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<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/2/28/4042710/concacaf-champions-league-houston-dynamo-vs-santos-laguna" target="_blank">Full Santos/Houston Strorysteam - all the coverage in one place</a>
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<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/12/4087542/santos-laguna-vs-houston-dynamo-ccl-preview" target="_blank">Dyanmo vs Santos: Leg 2 Game Preview</a>
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<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/11/4081796/ccl-santos-confidence-is-well-deserved-but-the-dynamo-can-silence" target="_blank">Dynamo Aim for Historic Win in Torreon - and to Shut Up the Critics</a>
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<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/11/4074928/soccer-science-learning-from-friends" target="_blank">Ashe and Sarkodie Key for Beating Santos</a>
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<p> </p>
<h4>STARTING LINEUPS:</h4>
<p><b>Houston Dynamo - </b></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Dynamo lineup: Hall; Sarkodie, Boswell, Taylor, Creavalle; Garcia, Moffat, Clark, Davis (C); Barnes, Bruin</p>&mdash; Dynamo Theory (@dynamotheory) <a href="https://twitter.com/dynamotheory/status/311987221173506048">March 13, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </p>
<p><b>Santos Laguna - </b></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Santos starters: Sanchez, Baloy, Estrada, Mares, Figueroa, Salinas, Rodriguez, Calderon, Herc, Peralta, Quintero</p>&mdash; Dynamo Theory (@dynamotheory) <a href="https://twitter.com/dynamotheory/status/311987047764209664">March 13, 2013</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/13/4100942/houston-dynamo-vs-santos-laguna-live-gamethreadOrdinary Orange Fan2013-03-12T20:55:57-05:002013-03-12T20:55:57-05:00Video Room: Dynamo vs Santos Leg 2 Pregame
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<p>Eddie Robinson, Dominic Kinnear, and Adam Moffat give their thoughts on Wednesday's matchup between the Houston Dynamo and Santos Laguna.</p> <p>On Wednesday night, the Houston Dynamo will face off in the most anticipated international match in many years. In 2008, the Dynamo made it to the semifinals in the CONCACAF Champions Cup only to be eliminated on the road in Costa Rica by Saprissa. With a result in Mexico, Houston would be back in this year's semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.</p>
<p>Last Tuesday, Houston got away with a<a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/6/4071764/houston-dynamo-vs-santos-laguna-1st-leg-recap" target="_blank"> narrow 1-0 win</a> over Santos in late fashion (89th minute) at BBVA Compass Stadium. They'll take that slim lead to a dangerous Estadio Corona in Torreon, Mexico. </p>
<p>Santos is <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/11/4081796/ccl-santos-confidence-is-well-deserved-but-the-dynamo-can-silence" target="_blank">pretty confident</a> ahead of the match after outscoring their last two MLS opponents 12-3 in CCL play. </p>
<p>Ahead of the match, Jonathan Kaplan talks with Eddie Robinson about the Houston mentality coming into the match. The two discuss whether the Dynamo will sit back and defend for look to score early, and Robinson talks about the key to victory resides in the first 15 minutes.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SttH0SOlA1Y" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1363138614590"></p>
<p>Dominic Kinnear gives his thoughts about the first match - which he was suspended for. He also gives his thoughts on what to expect from Santos' starting lineup in the return leg.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r7XTfnNu3cg" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1363138520239"></p>
<p>Finally, Adam Moffat talks about the first leg being a great game, and acknowledges the second leg will be tough. </p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BdfciR-XARo" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/2/28/4042710/concacaf-champions-league-houston-dynamo-vs-santos-laguna" target="_blank">Full Dynamo vs Santos coverage - Dynamo Theory Storystream</a>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/12/4096988/the-video-room-houston-dynamo-vs-santos-laguna-leg-2-pregameOrdinary Orange Fan2013-03-12T12:00:05-05:002013-03-12T12:00:05-05:00The Problem With "All For One, And One For All"
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<figcaption>Richard Wolowicz</figcaption>
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<p>"We've got to do better in that tournament... It has to be a priority. It is a goal for Major League Soccer to win the Champions League. If we are going to achieve our goal of being one of the top leagues in the world, we've got to be the top league in our region." </p> <p>MLS is 18 years old. In that time, its grown from relative obscurity, in a sports climate that was anything but welcoming, to become a mainstay in the US. While it still has a ways to go, soccer in The States has placed itself in a favorable position. Having grown to 19 teams - and looking to grow to 20 - the league is now taking form as a typical soccer league. The next goal is to take that local stability and extend it to regional excellence. And, with that, we come to the CONCACAF Champions League.</p>
<p>We, as a league, are at the point where the next step is to grow in the region. That means winning the CCL, and making appearances in the Club World Cup.</p>
<p>Introduction to the competition is not the aim here. We already know about Mexico's stranglehold on the competition, our history of only two semifinal appearances due to MLS vs.MLS quarterfinals, and RSL's crushing loss to Monterrey in the 2011 final.</p>
<p>So, with three MLS powers (read: no Toronto) competing in the CCL quarterfinals against Central American components, it was time for MLS to shine. If one, two, or even three MLS teams advanced, it would mean an even or advantageous position for MLS over LigaMX. First, 1-0 win in Houston, then 0-0 away for LA, and finally 1-0 loss away for Seattle. Great starts for all involved, positioning each for advancement if things go well this week.</p>
<p>Then, this happened:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 16px;"> </span></p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/jtyardley">jtyardley</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/will_kuhns">will_kuhns</a> As a Sporting KC fan, I hope the @<a href="https://twitter.com/houstondynamo">houstondynamo</a> lose. We are not all fans tonight.</p>&mdash; Matt Jones (@mjones99) <a href="https://twitter.com/mjones99/status/309101124194013184">March 6, 2013</a></blockquote></p>
<p><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Followed by <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/GingeFC/status/309458625217306625">this exchange</a> after a Zach Woosley tweet, along with many other similar sentiments across the internet.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Instead of banding together in support of MLS brotherhood, each team is wishing for their own team's advancement along with their MLS compatriot's unmitigated failure. I'll be honest, I was initially flabbergasted (love that word) by this. However, after getting over this initial surprise, my naivete gave way to some introspection concerning these sentiments. Let's break them down:</p>
<p><b>In Support of MLS: Long Live LA</b></p>
<p>This is a sentiment that I suspect MLS and Garber are proponents of, or at least that's what we fans of other clubs believe of them. The idea that MLS needs a flag-bearer capable of bringing the wonders of our league to the masses of the world. Its similar to the Yankees, Lakers, Bulls of the 90's, etc. It's what led to <a target="_blank" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1449066-landon-donovan-why-mls-needs-him-to-stick-around-for-another-season">this absurd B/R post</a> (that I hate linking to, but it proves a point).</p>
<p>This shouldn't apply to any non-LA fans. Just thought I'd throw it out there.</p>
<p><b>In Support of Someone... Anyone</b></p>
<p>This is my initial reaction to the dilemna. I seriously just want someone to win from MLS so that we can stop talking about a gap, the lack thereof, or some curse and/or duck (or cursed duck). I, of course, would want Dynamo to win above all others, but if we fall to Santos in the second leg, then I would be fine with Seattle taking up the flag for the league. Let's just start by beating Mexican clubs in competition every once in a while before we start talking about dominating the CCL completely.</p>
<p><b>In Support of My Club: Damn the Rest</b></p>
<p>There are a couple forms of this argument: from the outsiders looking in, and from those involved.</p>
<p>Let me say this first: to those outside the competition wishing poor results on the MLS clubs taking part, why? I get the sentiment coming from, say, FC Dallas. If they want to hate on us, and hope for our loss, then that is just <i>super neat</i>. If that gets them through losses to Chivas USA, then I'm all for it. Its sad, and a little pathetic, but I understand it. I <i>would do the same</i>...*ahem*... if they were ever in the CCL.</p>
<p>For the latter, at least it comes from some semblance of hope for competitive advantage. If you are hoping for Dynamo to win so that you won't have to face a "better" Santos squad, or if you're hoping for CS Herediano to beat LA so you won't have to face the Galaxy, at least you have your team's best interest at heart. However, I would caution against thinking of a team winning a CCL quarterfinal as inferior to the team it beats, or hoping for a trip to Central America as opposed to a cushy trip to the west coast. There is more involved in travel than you would think.</p>
<p><b>In Support of My Club, But Liga MX After That</b></p>
<p>This is the sentiment of our fearless Ordinary Orange Fan. I would also assume that for the many Mexican fans in the states, they would find no problem supporting the LigaMX teams along with their MLS team of choice. Or, if you just like LigaMX more, then that's just fine. It's a league with similar, if not more evolved, goals compared to MLS. Winning the CCL, while paling in comparison to Copa Libertadores, means an invite to the CWC and serves as a measuring stick for the continued Mexican advantage over the MLS.</p>
<p><b>In Conclusion: My Sort of Change of Heart</b></p>
<p>If we're going to call ourselves a legitimate league, contender, and soccer nation, we need to start acting like it. While my first reaction to these arguments was something like "can't we all just get along?", I realize that the "right" thing to do is say "f*** you" to everyone else and support only my team, and no one else.</p>
<p>While it may be beneficial to the league in the short-term for LA to win it all, in the long run our philosophical approach to this interesting dilemna is much more important. It may be a bit too Euro-snobby of me, but if we are to act like the "big boys" of the soccer world, we need to stop thinking about what's best for our league and think more about what's best for the team we love. That means an end to the "all for one" mindset. By the same token, it means an end to any unwarranted vitriol against other MLS teams. It's childish to wish for MLS teams to lose just so you can be the first to win it. Grow up.</p>
<p>So, what say you, readers? Are you taking MLS's vocalized "all for one and one for all" approach, their (most likely) un-vocalized "all for Galaxy and Galaxy for all" approach, or something more team-centric?</p>
<p><i>Writer's note</i>: I will invariably end up supporting the MLS teams if (God forbid) the Dynamo lose this week. That doesn't mean I don't see the absurdity of supporting all of them now. </p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/12/4089890/Houston-Dynamo-CCL-Santos-Laguna-MLSCiudadDeClutch2013-03-12T08:00:05-05:002013-03-12T08:00:05-05:00CCL QF 2nd Leg Preview: Santos vs. Dynamo
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pp82mEouHgUyn7rbVe6E7xFlahc=/0x58:4000x2725/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9461433/20130305_ajw_ac6_120.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Houston Dynamo look to beat the odds and advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League as they try to defend a 1-0 first leg victory in Wednesday's 2nd leg at Estadio Corona in Torreón, Mexico.</p> <p>Think of it as a return to the playoff format of last October. The Houston Dynamo, fresh off a 1-0 victory over Santos Laguna in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, travel 568 miles southwest, down to Torreón in the Mexican state of Coahuila for the second leg. Unlike their Liga MX adversaries, the Dynamo didn't have a match scheduled between the two legs. The bye weekend is something that Dynamo supporters no doubt relish, because let's face facts here: they have a monumental task before them now.</p>
<p>I've written before about how the first match was a collection of bad luck and missed chances. I've brought to light just how massive the home advantage has been for Santos Laguna (that 18-1-0 record and + 51 goal differential in CCL play is otherworldly). I've read reports where Santos personnel, while giving credit to the Dynamo, are relishing the fact that they're hosting the second leg while only down a goal. I've also read where Dynamo players seem to be calm - though not cocky - about the state of the tie.</p>
<p>What does all of this mean, you ask? It means that come Wednesday night, there's a good chance that we'll be treated to a show rather like the first leg. It took a while for the two teams to find their pace and style, and while I don't think either side was able to fully implement their strategy, people who watched the match found themselves watching a fine exhibition of the beautiful game.</p>
<p>With Cummings just now starting to practice with the first team, I have the suspicion that Dominic Kinnear's starting XI for the second leg will be fairly similar to that of the first leg and the season opener against D.C. United - that 4-4-1-1/4-5-1/4-2-3-1 or however you want to describe it, with Will Bruin (theoretically) as the lone striker. The brief play we saw from Andrew Driver was good, but I'm not sure he's quite ready to be thrown out there for a full ninety minutes - though there were times (especially that near-chance that ended with a poor pass) where Driver and Bruin seemed to make a good tandem. Still, I expect to see a five man midfield in some form, and I think that might help their chances down in Mexico.</p>
<p>The Dynamo had an edge in most statistical categories in the first leg, despite a slim edge to Santos in possession. I think that had as much to do with their confidence at home as their tactics - and I don't think we'll see that kind of split in Torreón Wednesday. That being said, the performance of the back line - and the rest of the defensive effort - leads me to think that they'll still be able to shut down Santos, at least for periods of time.</p>
<p>And in reality, that's all you can expect them to do, I think. While I have faith in Tally Hall and the back line to keep it from turning in to a rout, I highly doubt that a clean sheet is something that the Dynamo are going to take home from Mexico. There will be goals - of that, I have no doubt. The question is when in the match they will come - and from whom? Strikers like Will Bruin and Herculez Gomez were quieted in the first leg, but how long can they be tied up? Sooner or later, one of them (or both of them) will get a goal.</p>
<p>The question will be whether or not the Dynamo will be able to keep one Santos goal from turning into a flood of them - the story of CCL play in Torreón since the competition began. I believe they can. As I said before, I don't think we'll see a clean sheet here - for either side. We're back to what I've described as that battle <i>à outrance</i> - Santos is confident that they can erase their deficit and advance, and the Dynamo seem to be confident that they can go down to Estadio Corona and give a good account of themselves.</p>
<p>Time will tell whose confidence will be justified. Including the possible extra time (only possible if Santos leads 1-0 at the end of regulation), two hours of play stand between one side and the semifinals. Nobody said that silverware was easy to claim, and the Dynamo can take another step to claiming some if they can manage to get out of Torreón with an aggregate win.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/12/4087542/santos-laguna-vs-houston-dynamo-ccl-previewRichard Willis2013-03-11T11:00:04-05:002013-03-11T11:00:04-05:00Ashe and Sarkodie are the keys to beating Santos
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After two hard-fought wins, there's a lot of praise going around the Dynamo camp. This DT writer would like to send some of that in the direction of Ashe and Sarkodie, as they will be instrumental to further success this season.</p> <p>Well this has been an exhilarating week, huh? Two matches in the BBVA fortress, two wins, and tons of optimism swirling around the camp. After dropping DC United 2-0, your boys in Orange turned to Santos for the first leg of their CCL quarterfinal matchup. The 1-0 win isn't fabulous, but its nothing to scoff at either. In short, we've successfully navigated the first half of a busy two-week logjam.</p>
<p>The second half of this jamming of logs means a return leg at Torreon, followed by a match-up with our least favorite Southern Oklahoman foes. Looking at the more important of those two matchups (sorry I'm not sorry, Frisco), there is every reason to believe that the Dynamo can advance past a very talented Santos squad. Whether you're hoping for Bruin to find his scoring touch or Davis to put a better set piece into the box, there is plenty of room for both improvement and hope. While those are good points to focus on, I'm thinking there are two other guys that will be much more important to our success moving forward. First, as always, lets get to the science.</p>
<p><b>Bacteria Sex</b></p>
<p>No, this isn't some weird fan fiction mash-up of what Osmosis Jones would have been like had it been produced by HBO or Showtime. Bacterial Sex is a very real thing, and it could be happening inside you <i>right now</i>.</p>
<p>What's worse is that this isn't just the sign of a rebellious bacteria, lazily getting its Barry White on. They're actually learning at the same time. Its simple - many bacteria have DNA that encodes the ability to break down the drugs we try to kill them with. That's what makes them resistant. As you can imagine, this is a very beneficial DNA sequence to have. And these bacteria, ever the socialist, will share this information with their friends through conjugation. One secretes pheromones that convinces another to hand off the DNA sequence encoding the drug-busting capability. It's called conjugation, but bacteria sex is just way more catchy.</p>
<p><b>Back to the Soccer...</b><br>The formation employed by Santos (4-2-3-1) allowed them to concentrate all of their attacking prowess up front in a balanced attack. However, it left them susceptible to attack on the wings. Their lack of width (albeit on a narrow field) left room for OBG and Creavalle (and later, Davis) to move out wide. However, our offense continued to hit a road block in transferring that width advantage to attacks up front.</p>
<p>This is where my borderline inappropriate comparison of soccer to microscopic sex comes into play. The formation we employed, coupled with the runs made by Davis and OBG, effectively opened up the game for Sarkodie and Ashe. Stated another way - Davis and OBG transferred the key to breaking down the SL defense to our outside backs - much like in bacterial sex. To my female readers out there, you're welcome for that mental image.</p>
<p>Here's how:<br>First, the movement of the wings inside during an attack opened up an insane amount of space for our fullbacks up the field.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2289149/Picture_1.png"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2289149/Picture_1_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Picture_1_medium"></a> <br id="1362966406968"></p>
<p>Both got forward into the attacking half throughout the match. Sarkodie, in fact, spent more time just on the offensive side of midfield than he did anywhere else. What I like to see with both heat maps is an arcing in towards the opposing box - most prominent in Sarkodie's movement.</p>
<p>This space to move forward allowed both to get dangerous boxes into the box. As we know, one of these led to Davis' winning goal.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2289165/Ashe-SLpass.png"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2289165/Ashe-SLpass_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Ashe-slpass_medium"></a> <br id="1362966417204"></p>
<p>Here are Ashe's passes in the attacking third. Sarkodie's is similar, just a little boring. What excited me about this one is that 50% of the passes into the box were unsuccessful. Granted, that's not exciting for the last match, since better passes could have led to a bigger 1st leg advantage. What I mean is that he's getting a lot of opportunities to put balls into the box, and given more opportunities his crosses could find an awaiting finish.</p>
<p>The next leg in Torreon will be wildly different from the first. Santos will have a significant amount of possession, but like many of us have already said - the Dynamo realistically need one goal to advance. That goal will come from one of two sources - counterattacks down the wings, or set pieces. Based on the space Ashe and Sarkodie have found along the sidelines, coupled with this new key allotted to them by OBG and Davis, my money is on Ashe leading to the winning goal in Torreon.</p>
<p><b>My thanks to the HPD</b><br>A week ago, I exited BCM and walked towards the bike racks outside the main gate. Unfortunately, in the 7 hours I had spent inside the building, someone had found enough time to cut the bike lock in front of cameras and leave with my ride home. That was a downer.</p>
<p>Having been raised in a culture that is relatively jaded when it comes to the police, I wasn't expecting much. In fact, a few hours later I was resigned to my bike-less existence. Sure, I reported the theft, but I've seen Superbad, I know there's nothing cops can do.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7C3RrvZMx-M" height="315" width="560"></iframe> <br id="1362966535498"></p>
<p><br>Low and behold, 4 days later they found my bike at a pawn shop, and yesterday I retrieved my sole means of transportation. So I just wanted to say a quick thanks for the top notch detective work done by HPD.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2013/3/11/4074928/soccer-science-learning-from-friendsCiudadDeClutch