Dynamo Theory - Match Day 28: Houston Dynamo vs Real Salt LakeYou may all go to hell and I will support the Dynamo.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48763/dynamotheory-fave.png2015-09-15T11:30:02-05:00http://www.dynamotheory.com/rss/stream/90758782015-09-15T11:30:02-05:002015-09-15T11:30:02-05:00Film Session: Morales strikes first
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<img alt="Javier Morales (11) scored RSL's first goal against the Dynamo." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AzdfaWL2BBQsH4wy9dU9OI3LkbY=/0x40:1807x1245/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47186316/usa-today-8797689.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Javier Morales (11) scored RSL's first goal against the Dynamo. | Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Dynamo lost to Real Salt Lake Saturday in a match that was crucial to their playoff hopes. In this edition of Dynamo Film Session, we take a look at RSL's first goal scored by Javier Morales.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> really should've been better.</p>
<p>You can read my thoughts on the game <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/13/9318265/houston-dynamo-fall-hard-at-home-despite-three-headed-monster-starting" target="_blank">here,</a> but the gist of it is that manager Owen Coyle played lots of offensive firepower, yet still couldn't generate goals.</p>
<p>Anyway, let's get started!</p>
<p><b>The play begins </b>with <span>Devon Sandoval</span> holding the ball up with his back to the goal:</p>
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Not really much to talk about here. Let's move on.</p>
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The pass goes backwards and then forwards again, from Sandoval to Morales to <span>Joao Plata</span>.</p>
<p>Sandoval backpedals towards the 18-yard box, off the left shoulder of AJ Cochran. The left-back should be aware of that and stay in line with the last defender to enforce the offside trap.</p>
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Now Plata controls it with a defender on him 1v1.</p>
<p><span>Sheanon Williams</span> (blue line) should see Juan Manuel Martínez (red circle) behind him.</p>
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Plata picks out Martínez's run and plays him through, in behind Williams.</p>
<p>A swarm of players from both teams sprint into the box, ready for a cross or a rebound off a shot. Houston seem to have the numerical advantage.</p>
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I'm assuming that this was a shot attempt by Martínez, but then again it could have been a ground cross that just went a little too close to Tyler Deric. Whatever the case, Deric is forced to deflect the ball as it speeds in.</p>
<p>The Dynamo should be all over this. If the keeper parries the ball into the field of the play, wherever it may be, the defenders should immediately clear the ball either out of bounds or out of danger.</p>
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Deric doesn't get a lot on his touch and the ball ends up right in front of the goal. No defenders were there to clear at first (no one expects anybody to be in that position) so RSL have an opportunity to try and poke it in.</p>
<p>Dynamo defenders do what they can to keep it out until Deric gets back into the play.</p>
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They actually do a fairly good job of it until a rebound from a blocked shot comes out to Morales, who steps up and manages to lift it into the goal just as Deric sprints back.</p>
<p>The Dynamo almost did it.</p>
<p>Most people faulted the defense for not being able to clear the ball, and rightfully so, but let's point out that Williams left Martínez wide open on the wing. The cross/shot should never have come in in the first place, or at least should've been contested.</p>
<p>A good attack by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a>, of course, also played a part.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/15/9326155/dynamo-film-session-morales-scores-rsls-first-goalHarrison Hamm2015-09-15T09:30:02-05:002015-09-15T09:30:02-05:00Houston Dynamo Player Ratings vs. Real Salt Lake
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<img alt=""HERE'S JOHNNY..err WILL"" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4osMBktAzcB6W7FgBoCvAJXT2qE=/0x116:3322x2331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47189714/usa-today-8798155.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>"HERE'S JOHNNY..err WILL" | Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Defensive mistakes returned in the Dynamo’s 3-1 loss to Real Salt Lake. Tyler Deric provided a handful of saves and Davis’s penalty strike was a thing of beauty, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a few unlucky and ill-timed goals by visiting RSL. </p> <p></p>
<h5><b>Quick Thoughts:</b></h5>
<p>1) Few defensive options forced Cochran to LB and that saw mixed results. Cochran's tackling abilities helped win the ball at times, but his lack of pace and experience was visible on several occasions. But do you put Rodríguez at LB and Cochran inside to deal with Plata and Morales? Pick your poison I suppose.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>2) Rimando was huge for RSL. His 4 saves helped keep the Dynamo off the score sheet until Davis's penalty strike, but this game could have been very different if Rimando didn't have such a huge day.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>3) Coyle was determined to ride the confidence his players were feeling after their win over Vancouver, but I feel a different formation may have lent itself to a better outcome. If the Dynamo utilized a 4-5-1 to clog the midfield, RSL's forward group (of 3 players with Morales behind them) would have been less influential.</p>
<p>4) This result sucks.</p>
<h5><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> Player Ratings:</b></h5>
<p><b><span>Tyler Deric</span> (6.5) - </b>It's hard to fault Deric on any of the goals since there is plenty of blame on the defenders in front of him and the goals themselves were difficult to save and sometimes a little bizarre, but if I had to nitpick Deric arguably could have saved the final RSL goal - though it was hit with a ton of pace and was taken close enough for the shooter, <span>Juan Manuel Martinez</span>, to take aim and pick out a difficult spot. Deric made 4 huge saves throughout the game which kept the Dynamo in the game until Martinez's goal finished off the Dynamo.</p>
<p><b><span>AJ Cochran</span> (6) -</b> Cochran filled in at left back while <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> sat out recovering from a nagging calf injury. Cochran is a center back by nature, but performed capably at LB in the Dynamo's 3-0 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> earlier this year. Defensively, Cochran largely stepped up to the difficult task of containing some of the quicker and technically gifted opponents as he was able to make 4 tackles, block a shot, and intercept the ball twice all while being dominant in the air. However, at times RSL's top-heavy formation proved difficult to pick out markers and Cochran's inexperience at the position was noticeable - specifically on Martinez's final goal in which Cochran is out of position which allows the run and goal to occur. Cochran tried to make an impact on the offensive side of the ball, but a lot of that looked clunky as his lack of pace and passing abilities made it difficult for him to contribute, though Cochran was able to fire off a few shots of his own.</p>
<p><b>Raúl Rodríguez, MotM,</b> <b>(7) - </b>Had the difficult task of being the general of the back that had to contain a talented 3 pronged forward lineup that RSL sent out with <span>Javier Morales</span> supplying the forwards with dangerous passes. Rodríguez was able to come up with 4 big tackles, 4 intercepted passes, 2 blocked shots, and made very smart decisions with the ball out of the back which prevented turnovers in dangerous areas. Rodríguez's yellow card will see him miss out this weekend against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a>.</p>
<p><b><span>David Horst</span></b> <b>(6) -</b> Horst's biggest contribution to the Dynamo back was winning possession inside the Dynamo 6 yard box by stealing the ball and winning aerial challenges. Horst largely remained back and seldom moved up the field in order to match up against <span>Devon Sandoval</span> and other players that could breakaway.</p>
<p><b><span>Sheanon Williams</span> (4) - </b>Williams played a very good game as he managed 2 tackles, 5 intercepted passes, and a blocked shot while remaining a threat moving up the field with his dangerous vision for crosses and his long throw-in. If it weren't for 2 mistakes by Williams, the Dynamo may have been able to see this one out. As pointed out in our "Dynamo Film Session" (which will be up later this morning), Williams failed to mark Martinez which set up the first goal. Then he's too far central to cover Martinez which forces another Deric save which would fall to Sandoval who converted the effort to put RSL up 2-0.</p>
<p><b><span>Nathan Sturgis</span> (6) - </b>Got the start in central midfield/holding midfield as Alex Lima picked up an injury in training and <span>Luis Garrido</span> picked up a hamstring injury with the Honduran National Team. Sturgis turned in another under the radar performance as he quietly recovered the ball all over central midfield and showed up to provide tackling in crucial areas to prevent crosses from being sent in. Sturgis did turn the ball over inside our half of the field too often for my liking, but overall it was a pretty decent showing for the Sturge.</p>
<p><b><span>Ricardo Clark</span> (6.5) - </b>Clark was the best player for the Dynamo in the first half of the game as he was the only player to get a shot on target in the first half which was a close range effort 1v1 vs. GK Nick Rimando, but his decision to go near post instead of far post let him down and resulted in a difficult reaction save by Rimando. Clark also led all players in intercepted passes and often dueled central midfielder <span>Kyle Beckerman</span> (which often led to a turnover by Beckerman or a quick pass away from Clark). Clark didn't have the best passing accuracy one of his turnovers would eventually lead to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake's</a> opening goal.</p>
<p><b><span>Brad Davis</span> (6.5) - </b>Started the game again at right midfield while <span>Giles Barnes</span> took to the left side, Davis helped spark the Dynamo's run early in the 2<sup>nd</sup> half after giving up a soft goal before halftime. Just seconds into the 2<sup>nd</sup> half Davis received a great cross from Barnes and headed it towards goal. The headed effort was not placed particularly well, but it forced a difficult reaction save from Rimando. 10 minutes later Davis would be back, this time stepping up to the penalty spot. Rimando tried "icing Davis" by drawing out time by moving the ball, getting water, and not acknowledging the center official, but Davis delivered one of his best penalty kick strikes into the upper left of the goal which Rimando had no chance of saving.</p>
<p><b>Giles Barnes (5.5) - </b>Barnes passed the ball accurately at 90.9%, but didn't see a lot of the ball for a player that began the game as a right midfielder. Barnes only managed 26 touches on the ball and played the full 90 minutes. By contrast, <span>Boniek Garcia</span> had 22 touches on the ball and only played 45 minutes at RM in the 2<sup>nd</sup> half. Barnes delivered several dangerous passes in including the cross mentioned in Davis's rating that nearly equalized the game for the Dynamo just seconds into the 2<sup>nd</sup> half. However, it's clear that Barnes looked a little weary from travel with the Jamaican National Team and a little rest could do wonders for the striker/midfielder who is looking to regain his pre-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/concacaf-gold-cup">Gold Cup</a> form.</p>
<p><b><span>Erick Torres</span> (4.5) - </b>Cubo is struggling to integrate into this squad more than anticipated. He could have been tired from time with the Mexican U-22 side, but Cubo never looked in sync with players around him. Bruin often had to tell Cubo where to position himself for balls and he struggled to get others and himself in situations to score. Cubo only played the first 45 minutes and reportedly left the match with a groin injury.</p>
<p><b><span>Will Bruin</span> (6) - </b>Bruin struggled to connect with his striking partner Cubo, but he did look good in combination with other midfielders. Bruin had a great chance in the first half, but the ball on his breakaway got caught under his feet. The play should have ended there, but Bruin made something from his failed attempt and played the ball across the top of the 18 yard box to set up players running in. What impressed me about Bruin was his passion and energy in the game as he constantly pressured Rimando and was even carded for his aggressiveness while challenging Rimando for a ball that was played back to the RSL keeper. However, his 2<sup>nd</sup> half performance dipped as fatigue along with lower moral and service all hit the team hard after RSL's 3<sup>rd</sup> goal.</p>
<p><b>The Subs: </b></p>
<p><b>Oscar Boniek Garcia (5.5) -</b> Came on for Cubo to start the 2<sup>nd</sup> half, Boniek provided a number of key passes and quick passing out wide, but his crossing service didn't look as accurate as it could have been and defensively Boniek didn't seem sharp.</p>
<p><b><span>Mauro Manotas</span> (N/A) - </b>Came on for AJ Cochran in the 80<sup>th</sup> minute to give life to the offense, but too few touches hurt the young striker's ability to impact the game.</p>
<p><b>Coach Owen Coyle (5) - </b>This was a must win game at home and things did not go quite as designed by Coyle who utilized a similar lineup that had bested the top team in the West, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a>. While two-thirds of the goals were soft and unlucky following saves by Tyler Deric, the team turned off at times defensively all over the field which allowed Salt Lake to control the midfield to set up their several forwards. The team did generate offense and chances of their own, but big saves by Rimando kept the Dynamo out until Davis's penalty.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/15/9329207/houston-dynamo-player-ratings-vs-real-salt-lakeGribbs2015-09-14T09:30:03-05:002015-09-14T09:30:03-05:00Giles Barnes to return to the Houston Dynamo, reportedly
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<img alt="Giles Barnes #ForeverOrange" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/azfuuWRZkS3EKfnTyZb44C1evvw=/0x0:3640x2427/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47181156/TIS_6434.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Giles Barnes #ForeverOrange | <a href='www.trasksmith.com'>Trask Smith</a></figcaption>
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<p>Barnes sounds close to signing a deal with the Houston Dynamo while the team struggles to finish out the season. </p> <h4>Barnes back in orange</h4>
<p>Under the radar on Sunday was a sneaky little tweet from Steven Goff that <span>Giles Barnes</span> will be returning in orange next season. According to Geoff, Barnes will be making DP-level money in which case dinner is on Giles.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Getting word <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo">@HoustonDynamo</a> reaches deal with Jamaican intl Giles Barnes on big new contract. Current salary: $275K. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash">#MLS</a></p>
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/642790210401628160">September 12, 2015</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">More on Giles Barnes' new contract with <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo">@HoustonDynamo</a>: DP-level numbers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash">#MLS</a></p>
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/642794689498906624">September 12, 2015</a>
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<p>Last season Barnes scored 11 goals for Houston and has six goals so far this season. He joined the Jamaican National team this year and has spent part of the season with the national team including and brilliant run at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/concacaf-gold-cup">Gold Cup</a>.</p>
<h4>No chemistry, no hope</h4>
<p><span>Brad Davis</span>' body language in the press conference after Houston's 3-1 loss to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a> on Saturday night said all you needed to know about the game. Davis looked embarrassed and pissed as were many Houston fans some of who left the game early.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jd-L_wcd05w" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>When you reach the point that your fans are leaving games early you have a problem - a big problem. Admittedly Dynamo fans are used to winning perhaps not in the dominate way that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> have but still the fans in orange expect playoffs. Barring a miracle fan won't be getting playoffs this season. Any money saved up for playoff trips can now be used to go to Vegas to drink away the pain of this season (and the last one if you are still holding on to that) and if they have a strong enough heart lay down a MLS Cup bet on another team.</p>
<p>The fans aren't the only ones who are starting to lose faith in the team. The players on the field look like they just don't care anymore. It pains me to say that and I have tried defend the players against the tweets the <a href="https://twitter.com/dynamotheory?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Dynamo Theory Twitter</a> account gets from fan who say that they players don't care and they aren't trying, but I just can't anymore.</p>
<p>I have pointed out in the past that the team has a total lack of chemistry and the little bit of chemistry that is there seems to be waning. One of the things that first attracted me to the team was the strong bond and chemistry that seemed to run through out the whole team. I just don't see that bond anymore and it isn't something that has just popped up this year but has been growing over the last three seasons. All off seasons are important for teams but this one is vital for the team. They need to right the ship. Maybe even go so far as to blow up the team leaving only a handful of players and start over.</p>
<h4>Loan Update</h4>
<p>The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC came back from being down 0-2 to a 3-3 draw against Oklahoma City Energy FC thanks in part to a brace from Chandler Hoffman. He scored in the 71st minute and in stoppage time to tie the game. <span>Taylor Hunter</span> was back in Houston for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Dynamo's</a> game against Real Salt Lake.</p>
<p><span>Zach Steinberger</span> went the full 90 for Indy Eleven as they were defeated 2-0 by San Antonio.</p>
<p>In Charleston, <span>Memo Rodriguez</span> got on the field for the Battery, but to get the full low down on his time on the field check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/charleston-battery-usl-pro-charleston-charge">Carson's Charleston Charge</a> on Wednesday.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/14/9322531/giles-barnes-to-return-to-the-houston-dynamo-chandler-hoffman-taylor-hunterAlicia Tolar2015-09-13T13:30:02-05:002015-09-13T13:30:02-05:00Dynamo go attacking against RSL, still fall
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<img alt="Will Bruin and the Dynamo dropped a crucial game against Real Salt Lake on Saturday." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-X0h5O-XjTIgNExgNzVYnxfKl-8=/0x0:3119x2079/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47175418/usa-today-8797741.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Will Bruin and the Dynamo dropped a crucial game against Real Salt Lake on Saturday. | Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Manager Owen Coyle went with a very attacking lineup, but it wasn't to be in the Dynamo's 3-1 loss to Real Salt Lake, effectively damaging their playoff hopes beyond repair.</p> <p>It's safe to say that the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo's</a> playoff hopes are all but destroyed. After a 3-1 loss to <a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Salt Lake</a> Saturday night, the Orange dropped to a tie for eighth in the conference, six points out of the postseason and only one point ahead of last-place Colorado.</p>
<p>So yeah, not looking great for Owen Coyle's side.</p>
<p>But while the result wasn't what they were looking for, the Irish manager did send out his best team. The three-headed monster of <span>Will Bruin</span>, <span>Giles Barnes</span> and <span>Erick Torres</span> started along with <span>Brad Davis</span> on the wings and up front, while central midfield consisted of a pairing universally used in 4-4-2 formations: one holding mid and one attacking mid. <span>Nathan Sturgis</span> played in the hole while <span>Ricardo Clark</span> advanced forward.</p>
<p>Coyle did what he could in terms of player selection, but it all comes down to execution, and that didn't happen. The offense had 13 shots but only five were on net. The only goal scored was on Davis's penalty-kick, which shouldn't have been given.</p>
<p>RSL dominated possession, having the ball 55 percent of the time. If you do that, it's pretty likely that you'll win the match. The main reason for Houston's lack of possession was the inability to secure it and then actually keep in the midfield. The forwards didn't track back and help keep it nearly enough, shown by their lack of passes.</p>
<p>Here's how Bruin, Torres, Barnes and <span>Boniek Garcia</span> passed the ball, per <a target="_blank" href="http://www.whoscored.com/Matches/915048/LiveStatistics/USA-Major-League-Soccer-2015-Houston-Dynamo-Real-Salt-Lake">whoscored.com</a>:</p>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">
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<colgroup> <col width="*"> <col width="*"> <col width="*"> </colgroup>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>Player</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>Passes</span></p>
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<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>Pass accuracy </span></p>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>Will Bruin</span></p>
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<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>21</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>71%</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>Giles Barnes</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>11</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>91%</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>Boniek Garcia</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>14</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>64%</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;">
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>Cubo Torres</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>10</span></p>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; border: solid #000000 1px;">
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span>80%</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">Garcia came on for Torres at half-time and was a bit more effective passing–he was on pace for more than Bruin, who played the full 90, and had already surpassed Barnes, who also played the entire game–but struggled with accuracy, only completing 64 percent of his passes.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><br></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">This is something that really affected the Dynamo. When you don't have possession, you can't score. It's as simple as that.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><br></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">Barnes didn't even play forward. He was a left midfielder, and still he wasn't involved in the game whatsoever. Why these four dynamic attackers did not participate is beyond me.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><br></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">Brad Davis participated. He made 38 passes, most of anybody on the team. He was also the man responsible for a good portion of Houston's 20 crosses.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><br></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">Maybe the 4-4-2 formation wasn't the best of ideas. Barnes seemed to not be interested in playing winger:</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><br></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SEybV5LgGKaz0ogu4YOovn8qjFI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4056120/Screen_Shot_2015-09-13_at_9.35.13_AM.0.png">
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><br></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">Barnes is number 10. That's not where you would expect a winger to be playing. That's where a forward should play.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><br></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">If he was just going to make himself a forward, why didn't the Dynamo simply play a 4-3-3? That would put three people up top and keep Davis, Sturgis and Clark together in midfield. It would also support more counter-attacking play and less possession. So that's something to think about for next week's game against the Union.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><br></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">It also could have been a mid-game adjustment. RSL was dominating possession in the first-half and Barnes was basically playing forward, so why not switch formations?</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;"><br></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">All in all, this was a match that left plenty to be desired for Dynamo fans. But if all goes well the next six games, it may not be over yet.</div>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/13/9318265/houston-dynamo-fall-hard-at-home-despite-three-headed-monster-startingHarrison Hamm2015-09-13T11:30:02-05:002015-09-13T11:30:02-05:00Houston Dynamo vs Real Salt Lake: Highlights
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/13/9317645/houston-dynamo-vs-real-salt-lake-highlightsAlicia Tolar2015-09-12T23:04:05-05:002015-09-12T23:04:05-05:00RSL plays spoiler to Dynamo playoff hopes
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Dynamo's chance to inch closer to the playoffs was denied by RSL Saturday night, and Houston's chances of playoff inclusion are getting dimmer and dimmer. </p> <p>Playoff dreams are slipping away in the Bayou City.</p>
<p>Any chance of the Dynamo making it above the red line depended on looking forward, and finding a way to overtake the Earthquakes. Instead, they now find themselves looking backwards, at a <a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Salt Lake</a> team now tied with Houston on points. The Quakes loss last week presented a great opportunity for a leap forward, but it was not to be.</p>
<p>The first 45 was a largely uneventful affair. Aside from a number of free kicks, neither side was able to generate many quality chances, despite RSL dominating possession.</p>
<p>Two minutes into extra time in the first half, <span>Tyler Deric</span> deflected a far post shot, which landed in front of goal, and Houston's defense elected to stand still and stare at the ball rather than clear it, giving <span>Javier Morales</span> a good couple chances to tap it in from close range.</p>
<p>Just 5 minutes into the second half, Tyler Deric deflected a blast from <span>Juan Manuel Martinez</span>, but the lion-haired <span>Devon Sandoval's</span> right foot found the ball in mid-air, and he slammed it into the net to put RSL up 2-0.</p>
<p>In the 65th, there was a glimmer of hope for the boys in orange when <span>John Stertzer</span> was whistled for a handball. Replay appeared to show the ball had hit Stertzer in the groin, but the Dynamo were awarded a penalty. The penalty kick rocketed off <span>Brad Davis</span>' left foot into the top left corner to pull Houston within one.</p>
<p>But the dream didn't even last three minutes. Juan Manuel Martinez, off of a pass from Morales, delivered a strike across his body past keeper Tyler Deric to effectively ice the game, 3-1.</p>
<p>It's going to take a hell of a performance by this team to sneak into the playoffs. The 2015 <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> have been extremely frustrating to watch as a fan, and at a certain point, you have to wonder if a team who can't even control their own sprinklers even deserves to be in the playoffs.</p>
<p>They'll give it a shot against the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a>, on the road, on September 20th.</p>
<p><b>Scoring</b></p>
<p><b>Houston: </b>Brad Davis (PK) 65'</p>
<p><b>Salt Lake: </b>Javier Morales 45+2', Devon Sandoval 51', Juan Manuel Martinez 68'</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Disciplinary</b></p>
<p><b>Yellow: </b><span>Sheanon Williams</span> 44', <span>Jordan Allen</span> 53', <span>Aaron Maund</span> 77', <span>Nathan Sturgis</span> 89'</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Lineup</b></p>
<p><b>Houston(4-4-2): </b>Tyler Deric, <span>David Horst</span>, <span>Raul Rodriguez</span>, Sheanon Williams, A.J. Cochran (<span>Mauro Manotas</span> 80'), Brad Davis, <span>Ricardo Clark</span>, Nathan Sturgis, <span>Giles Barnes</span>, <span>Will Bruin</span>, <span>Erick Torres</span> (Oscar Garcia HT)</p>
<p><b>Salt Lake(4-5-1): </b><span>Nick Rimando</span>, Jordan Allen, <span>Jamison Olave</span>, Aaron Maund, <span>Demar Phillips</span>, <span>Luis Silva</span> (John Stertzer 28'), <span>Kyle Beckerman</span>, Juan Manuel Martinez, Javier Morales, <span>Joao Plata</span> (<span>Olmes Garcia</span> 87'), Devon Sandoval</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/12/9317377/houston-dynamo-vs-real-salt-lake-final-score-3-1-playoff-hopes-dimAustin Vanderlyn2015-09-12T18:40:22-05:002015-09-12T18:40:22-05:00Houston Dynamo vs Real Salt Lake: How to watch, lineups and more
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Houston Dynamo return from the break to face off against Real Salt Lake. </p> <h4>Basics</h4>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> vs <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a></p>
<p>7:30 PM CT, August 11</p>
<p>BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, TX</p>
<h4>How to watch</h4>
<p>ROOT SPORTS Southwest Alternate Channel (7 p.m. pregame)</p>
<p>Listen at <a href="http://www.HoustonDynamo.com/Live">www.HoustonDynamo.com/Live</a></p>
<p>La Ranchera 850 AM and 101.7 FM</p>
<h4>Injuries</h4>
<p>Dynamo: <br> <br>Out: <span>Jermaine Taylor</span> - R quad tear; <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> - L calf strain; <span>Kofi Sarkodie</span> - R knee bone bruise; <span>Luis Garrido</span> - R hamstring<br>strain<br> <br>Doubtful: Alex Lima - R hamstring strain<br> <br>Real Salt Lake:<br> <br>Out: <span>Chris Schuler</span> - ankle spurs<br> <br>Suspended: <span>Tony Beltran</span>, <span>Luke Mulholland</span> (yellow-card accumulation)</p>
<h4>Fan Lineup</h4>
<p>Fans still want to see the 4-4-2 with only a few votes going to the 4-51. <span>Tyler Deric</span> is still the overwhelming fave to start in the back.</p>
<p><span>Will Bruin</span> (FW) 91.3%<br><span>AJ Cochran</span> (CB) 56.5%<br><span>David Horst</span> (CB) 95.7%<br>Raúl Rodríguez (CB/RB/LB) 95.7%<br><span>Brad Davis</span> (LM/CAM) 91.3%<br>Erick "Cubo" Torres (FW) 78.3%<br><span>Sheanon Williams</span> (LB/CB/RB) 95.7%<br><span>Giles Barnes</span> (FW/AM) 82.6%<br>Oscar Boniek Garcia (RM/CM) 65.2%<br><span>Ricardo Clark</span> (DM/CM) 100%</p>
<h4>Lineups</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/GEICO">@GEICO</a> starting XI and bench for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HOUvRSL?src=hash">#HOUvRSL</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForeverOrange?src=hash">#ForeverOrange</a> <a href="http://t.co/nGN2pFCC8a">pic.twitter.com/nGN2pFCC8a</a></p>— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/status/642845090193477632">September 12, 2015</a>
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<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RSL?src=hash">#RSL</a> XI: Rimando; Allen Maund Olave Phillips; Beckerman Silva Morales; Martinez Sandoval Plata <a href="https://t.co/gyzGVxTODw">https://t.co/gyzGVxTODw</a></p>— Real Salt Lake (@RealSaltLake) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealSaltLake/status/642842910468276224">September 12, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/12/9312821/houston-dynamo-vs-real-salt-lake-how-to-watch-lineups-and-moreAlicia Tolar2015-09-12T09:30:02-05:002015-09-12T09:30:02-05:00Previewing Houston vs. Salt Lake with RSL Soapbox
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We spoke with Randal Serr of RSL Soapbox about RSL’s road woes and gaps left by players suspended. </p> <p></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> will return to league action after getting a weekend off following their 2-0 home victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a>. Owen Coyle produced an <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/11/9309633/pick-the-lineup-against-real-salt-lake">attacking friendly lineup</a> which featured <span>Giles Barnes</span>, <span>Will Bruin</span>, and Erick "Cubo" Torres together for the first time. The match also saw <span>Ricardo Clark</span>, Raúl Rodríguez, and <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> back in the lineup - though Beasley was forced to leave the match early after he aggravated a calf injury.</p>
<p>The Dynamo now eye <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a>, a team that bested them back in July 2-0. Things are now a little different as the Dynamo are a much stronger team at home while RSL struggles on the road. Real Salt Lake hit a few hiccups after their win over Houston and has slid all the way down the Western Conference table to the bottom while the Dynamo remain playoff hopeful.</p>
<p>In our <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/11/9308221/dynamo-real-salt-lake-2015-matchday-28">preview of the match</a>, we discussed the players returning from international duty and other matches to keep an eye on that are relevant to the Dynamo's playoff push, but we wanted to know about our competition so we spoke with Randal Serr of RSL Soapbox to get the scoop on Real Salt Lake.</p>
<p><b>Dynamo Theory:</b> Road results have not been kind to Real Salt Lake this season as only 2 games away from Rio Tinto produced a full 3 points with the most recent 3 point road result coming from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> back in May. Why is a team that on paper looks very convincing struggling on the road?</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>RSL Soapbox: </b>There are a lot of reasons, but nothing definitive. RSL has suffered a lot of injuries this year and undergone a lot of personnel changes both on the field and in the front office. This is also the first year that Jeff Cassar has really tried to put his stamp on the club with a formation change and a few tactical changes. The main reasons in my opinion are that many young players have been forced to play a lot of minutes on the road and don't have the experience to stay composed in a hostile environment. This leads to boneheaded mistakes which leads to silly goals conceded. The other reason is a lack of mental discipline. RSL has repeatedly shot themselves in the foot on the road whether it's through giving up penalties, earning red cards, or giving up late goals. Make no mistake this has not been the Real Salt Lake of years past that was tough to beat on the road or at home. Many fans blame the coach or the owner and believe it is a top down problem. It's probably a bit more complicated and nuanced than that, but it may very well be a factor.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Dynamo Theory:</b> A lot has changed since the last meeting between our two teams. In our previous discussion we talked about consistency issues for RSL ultimately being about scoring rates related to the health of <span>Joao Plata</span>. Now that Plata is back have some consistency issues finally gone away, or have new issues become more apparent?</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>RSL Soapbox: </b>RSL has had a bit of an easier time scoring now that Joao Plata and the other forwards are all healthy. Putting the ball in the net is not necessarily the problem at this point. The issue now is the inconsistent play on the defensive end. The defense has looked good in isolated games, but has not been able to string together a good performance for more than a couple games in a row. The most frustrating thing is that they are typically mistakes that come from inexperienced players. Hopefully it pays off in the long run, but at the moment it is getting old.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Dynamo Theory:</b> <span>Luke Mulholland</span> and <span>Tony Beltran</span> will both miss out against the Dynamo due to yellow card accumulations. What kind of hole will they leave in the RSL lineup and how will Jeff Cassar adjust his squad to make up for their absences?</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>RSL Soapbox: </b>Tony Beltran has quite possibly been the most consistent player this year with regards to both the quality of play and being with the team all year long (i.e. no international call-ups or injuries.) So that will hurt, no doubt. He is as good at one-on-one defending as anyone in Major League Soccer. Luke Mulholland being out of the lineup will sting, but there are capable midfielders that bring other qualities. I don't have any inside sources, but I suspect that <span>Luis Silva</span> and <span>Jordan Allen</span> will see increased minutes in this one. Jordan Allen in particular has shown very well for himself this year when given extended minutes so he can help this team play well.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For my answers to Randal's excellent questions head over to <a href="http://www.rslsoapbox.com/2015/9/11/9309065/three-questions-with-dynamo-theory">RSL Soapbox</a> to check them out!</p>
<p></p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/12/9313499/previewing-the-dynamo-vs-real-salt-lake-match-with-rsl-soapboxGribbs