Dynamo Theory - Match Day 34: Houston Dynamo vs Vancouver WhitecapsYou may all go to hell and I will support the Dynamo.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48763/dynamotheory-fave.png2015-10-27T11:30:02-05:00http://www.dynamotheory.com/rss/stream/93748212015-10-27T11:30:02-05:002015-10-27T11:30:02-05:00Film Session: Final goal shows Dynamo weakness
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<img alt="Robert Earnshaw (right) split the defense and headed in the final goal of the Whitecaps' 3-0 domination of the Dynamo." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lEwDB9LJ73tBUxzxHjIj0AmmZvM=/0x151:4332x3039/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47523465/usa-today-8885664.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Earnshaw (right) split the defense and headed in the final goal of the Whitecaps' 3-0 domination of the Dynamo. | Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>While the final goal of Vancouver's 3-0 shellacking of the Dynamo didn't mean much (it came in second-half stoppage time), it represented one of Houston's main problems this season: defensive compactness, specifically in the center.</p> <p>On the final day of the Major League Soccer regular season, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> didn't have anything to play for, unlike almost every other team in the league. I don't know about you, but I was expecting some of the players that haven't gotten a whole lot of playing time this season to get a start, considering this match didn't mean anything.</p>
<p><span>Memo Rodriguez</span>, <span>Mauro Manotas</span>, <span>Erick Torres</span>, <span>AJ Cochran</span>, <span>Zach Steinberger</span>, <span>Taylor Hunter</span> and <span>Rob Lovejoy</span> are among the many players under the age of 25 that haven't gotten considerable time on the pitch this season, and, presumably, the players that would have a shot at grabbing a place in the lineup.</p>
<p>But alas, Owen Coyle used only one of these players (Torres) in the starting XI. The Mexican would exit in favor of Manotas in the 61-minute, while Lovejoy entered with only a few minutes remaining for <span>Giles Barnes</span>.</p>
<p>Aside from that and the absence of <span>Brad Davis</span> and <span>Tyler Deric</span>, it was essentially the normal XI on the field in Vancouver. This puzzles me, considering that one of the main needs for Houston this offseason is getting younger.</p>
<p>Anyway, the final 2015 edition of Dynamo Film Session will analyze the last goal the Whitecaps scored:</p>
<p><b>The buildup began </b>on a 3-on-3 counter-attack for the hosts.</p>
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3-on-3 may seem even, but in this case, it's lopsided in favor of the offense. With so much space on the wings it isn't hard for the attackers to find room in the middle.</p>
<p><span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> was caught up field, resulting in this break.</p>
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As two Dynamo players sprint back, Premier League veteran <span>Robert Earnshaw</span> sees <span>Mauro Rosales</span> getting open on the far side.</p>
<p>The players tracking back (one of which I presume is Beasley, the other I can't tell) have no chance at getting into the play with the pace of the attack.</p>
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The Argentinean receives the ball from the Zambian (Earnshaw was born in Africa but represents Wales internationally) and settles the ball with loads of time and space.</p>
<p>With the far-side defender forced to break off, the middle pairing becomes separated, creating ample space for a simple run towards the goal.</p>
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That space is taken by the 34-year old Earnshaw, who is smart enough to realize the opportunity for a cross.</p>
<p>Rosales knew exactly what his teammate was doing, judging by the quality of the ball he played in. It ended up finding the head of the completely-unmarked Earnshaw.</p>
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Given the advantage Vancouver had in terms of players on this rush, it's hard to completely fault the defense for allowing Earnshaw to have a free header from basically the best area possible.</p>
<p>But they surely could have done better in this instance.</p>
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Poor Joe Willis can only watch as the ball sails into the back of the net. The backup goalkeeper actually had a pretty good game, and there is no way to blame any portion of this goal on him.</p>
<p>Earnshaw's splitting of the defenders is something that the Dynamo have seen way too much of this season. Their center-backs have had about as good of chemistry as the USMNT's this season, resulting in too many one-on-ones that Deric was forced to face.</p>
<p>While this hasn't necessarily been the epitome of their problems this year, center-back pairings have been a big topic of discussion.</p>
<p>Defensive organization is something they need to fix for next season.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/10/27/9617832/dynamo-film-session-whitecaps-final-goal-illustrates-houstonsHarrison Hamm2015-10-27T09:30:02-05:002015-10-27T09:30:02-05:00Dynamo Player Ratings vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps
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<figcaption>Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Dynamo fell 3-0 on the road to the Vancouver Whitecaps in their final game of the season. </p> <p></p>
<h5><b>Quick Thoughts:</b></h5>
<p><b>1)</b> The Dynamo simply looked flat at times. Too many casual touches, passes, and runs demonstrated the lack of motivation in the game.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>2) </b>This was a close game...until the opening goal. Possession and chances were fairly back and forth and the Dynamo did well to limit shots apart from their early blunders (thank you <span>Joe Willis</span> for preventing an even bigger meltdown).</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>3) </b>The Dynamo will NEED to win more games on the road next season.</p>
<h5><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> Player Ratings:</b></h5>
<p><b>Joe Willis, MotM, (7) - </b>Willis filled in for <span>Tyler Deric</span> who sat on the bench with food poisoning symptoms. Willis established himself early and helped keep the Dynamo from going down by making 2 saves before the 4<sup>th</sup> minute. As the game wore on, the defense allowed Vancouver more time to operate inside their defensive 3<sup>rd</sup> of the field which yielded 3 2<sup>nd</sup> half goals which were not easily savable.</p>
<p><b><span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> (6.5) - </b>Did well to intercept passes and tackle along the left side of the field and was afforded opportunities to advance higher up the field thanks to the return of <span>Raul Rodriguez</span>. Beasley passed well in the Vancouver's half of the field, but sometimes his decision making higher up was not the best including one moment where he took on too many players alone instead of passing or crossing the ball in.</p>
<p><b>Raul Rodriguez</b> <b>(6) - </b>Was a monster at recovering the ball and helped move the ball very well out of the back of the field, but some of his defensive plays seemed a bit too casual - a word that describes a lot of the Dynamo's play against the Whitecaps.</p>
<p><b><span>David Horst</span></b> <b>(6.5) -</b> Horst arguably had the best performance on the field if it weren't for a single mistake. Horst led all players with 6 aerial duels won, intercepted 7 passes, and made very big tackles along the top of the 18 yard box. However, he lost his man, Kendall Watson, in the 72<sup>nd</sup> minute on a corner kick which led to a devastating 2<sup>nd</sup> goal for the Whitecaps.</p>
<p><b><span>Sheanon Williams</span> (6.5) - </b>Like Horst, Williams had an overall excellent outing marred by a poor play that led to a goal. Williams largely kept <span>Kekuta Manneh</span> in check, frustrating the player throughout the match. In the 59<sup>th</sup> minute, <span>Octavio Rivero</span> shifted his run which caused David Horst to cover the striker leaving Manneh open. Williams was a step too late covering the run which led to the game's opening goal.</p>
<p><b><span>Leonel Miranda</span> (4.5) - </b>Miranda contributed very little defensively and nearly gifted a goal to the Whitecaps before the 5<sup>th</sup> minute of the match by lazily playing a ball through our defenders. Miranda passed the ball well, but failed to connect with the forwards in the attacking 3<sup>rd</sup> of the field.</p>
<p><b><span>Ricardo Clark</span> (6.5) - </b>Helped lead one of the best chances the Dynamo had to scoring which unleashed <span>Will Bruin</span> who passed to Cubo whose shot nearly found the top corner of the net. Clark helped lead the midfield battles in the 1<sup>st</sup> half which made it difficult for the Whitecaps to gain opportunities in our half of the field, but demoralizing goals saw the team's defensive enthusiasm wane.</p>
<p><b><span>Luis Garrido</span> (5) - </b>Had several big tackles in the game and he nearly saw a red card after he tripped a player just outside of the Dynamo 18 yard box, but was spared by the referee who decided there was no contact (there was). Garrido also decided to take on a few audacious shots from range rather than helping his side maintain possession and find better scoring chances.</p>
<p><b><span>Giles Barnes</span> (6) - </b>Barnes wore the captain's armband and played left midfielder for <span>Brad Davis</span> who stayed home (read into it if you want). Barnes often pushed high up the field for a midfielder and forced <span>David Ousted</span> to make his most difficult save of the game with a blast from deep.</p>
<p><b><span>Erick Torres</span> (5) - </b>Got another start in goal and failed to cement his role again. Cubo played the highest up the field of any Dynamo player and his touch was often heavy and casual. When he looked confident we saw flashes of his potential in Orange with beautiful passes and a curling shot towards the corner of the goal.</p>
<p><b>Will Bruin (5) - </b>Played beneath Cubo almost in a CAM role at times, his lack of pace and ability to be in advanced positions hurt his chances to strike shots and make dangerous runs. Still, his hustle in the midfield helped win the ball back for the Dynamo which set up others, but this role is clearly not suited towards Bruin's strengths.</p>
<h5><b>The Subs: </b></h5>
<p><b><span>Mauro Manotas</span> (5) -</b> Came on for Cubo in the 61<sup>st</sup> minute, Manotas didn't see a lot of the ball (only 8 touches) but got the ball in good places and passed well.</p>
<p><b>Oscar Boniek Garcia (5.5) -</b> Entered for Leonel Miranda in the 62<sup>nd</sup> minute, Boniek demonstrated flashes of his skills over the ball, but didn't help much on the defensive side of the ball.</p>
<p><b><span>Rob Lovejoy</span> (N/A) - </b>Substituted on in the 89<sup>th</sup> minute for Giles Barnes, Lovejoy didn't see enough of the ball for a fair grade.</p>
<p><b>Coach Owen Coyle (5) - </b>This was a tough match. The Dynamo clearly didn't have much motivation coming in and they nearly conceded early goals as a result. The lineup was fine, though I expected a bit more youth involved earlier such as <span>Rasheed Olabiyi</span> over Garrido. The Dynamo did respond well to being down a goal, but that fire was quickly extinguished by Vancouver's 2<sup>nd</sup>. The Dynamo will need to do better on the road next season.</p>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/10/27/9620002/houston-dynamo-player-ratings-vs-the-vancouver-whitecapsGribbs2015-10-25T17:30:47-05:002015-10-25T17:30:47-05:00Houston Dynamo vs Vancouver Whitecaps: Game thread
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Houston are in British Colombia to take on the Whitecaps. </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.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a></p>
<p>6 pm CT, October 25</p>
<p>BC Place, Vancouver, Canada</p>
<h4>How to watch</h4>
<p>ROOT SPORTS Southwest</p>
<p>Yahoo Sports Radio 1560 AM</p>
<p>La Ranchera 850 AM and 101.7 FM</p>
<h4>Injuries</h4>
<p><br>Dynamo: <br> <br>Out: None<br> <br>Questionable: <span>Nathan Sturgis</span> - L hip pointer; <span>Jermaine Taylor</span> - R quad tear<br> <br>Whitecaps FC:<br> <br>Out: <span>Caleb Clarke</span> - L hamstring strain; <span>Ben McKendry</span> - L knee surgery for a meniscal tear<br> <br>Questionable: <span>Pedro Morales</span> - R hamstring strain<br> <br>Suspended: Pa-Modou Kah (yellow card accumulation)</p>
<h4>Fan Lineup</h4>
<p>The 4-4-2 remains king with fans. Fans were less decided on who should play goalkeeper this week as votes were spread out between <span>Tyler Deric</span>, <span>Joe Willis</span> and Michael Lisch. Sheanon Williams got 100% of the votes while <span>AJ Cochran</span>, <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> and Davis Horst has the second most then it was just one big mass of players with tied votes:</p>
<p><span>Will Bruin</span> (FW) 57.1%<br><span>Leonel Miranda</span> (LM/RM) 57.1%<br><span>Brad Davis</span> (LM/CAM) 57.1%<br><span>Mauro Manotas</span> (FW) 57.1%<br><span>Giles Barnes</span> (FW/AM) 57.1%<br><span>Rob Lovejoy</span> (LM/FW) 57.1%<br><span>Ricardo Clark</span> (DM/CM) 57.1%<br>Oscar Boniek Garcia (RM/CM/FW/RB) 57.1%<br>Erick Cubo Torres (FW) 57.1%</p>
<h4>Lineup</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/VANvHOU?src=hash">#VANvHOU</a>. Catch the final Dynamo match of 2015 on <a href="https://twitter.com/ROOTSPORTSSW">@ROOTSPORTSSW</a> at 6pm! <a href="https://t.co/RuUEPO8NHm">pic.twitter.com/RuUEPO8NHm</a></p>— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/status/658409828361093122">October 25, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VWFC?src=hash">#VWFC</a> Starting XI: Ousted; Beitashour, Waston, Parker, Harvey; Laba, Teibert; Techera, Koffie, Manneh; Rivero <a href="https://t.co/wgHyT9u7cC">https://t.co/wgHyT9u7cC</a></p>— Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhitecapsFC/status/658407276726874112">October 25, 2015</a>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/10/25/9611498/houston-dynamo-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-how-to-watch-lineups-and-moreAlicia Tolar2015-10-25T13:30:02-05:002015-10-25T13:30:02-05:00Places NOT to go in Vancouver
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<figcaption>Matt Cardy/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Crossed the border to follow the Dynamo? Here are some crappy place you won't want to see. While they are really in Burnaby it's close enough to Vancouver you won't want to get caught in them. </p> <h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/uncle-willys-burnaby?hrid=9VaiPnk_697vtltzSX94LQ">Uncle Willy's</a></h4>
<p>Overall this place has two and a half stars on Yelp! and most of them talk about the food having no taste what so ever. Like if there is a step below bland it's this restaurant.</p>
<p>"I went there with my mom and two boys I babysit cause I remember the food use to be good however when I went there this time the place has gone right down hill I'm sorry buy the food tasted like slop I couldn't make it through one plate of food hell couldn't even get a couple of bites before gagging and pushing the food away the boys I brought with me could barely eat my mom was gagging but managed to force herself to eat her moneys worth but is also now feeling sick from it and so are the boys I sat and waited for my mom and the boys to finish eating my fault before I went and asked for my refund since I didn't eat and got told they have a 5 min policy and should of told them sooner so basically rush grab food and wolf down to see if you like it or no money back which is BS however I was able to get a refund but not with out dealing with hostility and rudeness from the Asian staff I felt bad for the white girl cashier she was getting beratted by the other staff and went off cowering because she couldn't deal with the fighting they also threatened to sue me if I posted a bad review for salander guess they don't know what freedom of speech means do they ?? I am voicing my honest opinion I wouldn't serve their food to my dogs hell I doubt my dogs would even eat that slop they would probably look at me and whine if I tried to serve it to them wondering what they did to be punished I'm sorry but that food is not that great at all"-Ann-Marie A.</p>
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/po-king-seafood-restaurant-burnaby">Po King Seafood Restaurant</a></h4>
<p>There are multiple reviews that refer to the head lady here as a Nazi. Apparently she screams at the staff and drags the customers to their seats and makes you share tables with strangers. Sounds fun huh? Reviews on the Dim Sum are mixed, but the (Soup) Nazi sounds like she really brings the entertainment.</p>
<p>"While the Seinfeldian Soup Nazi can get away with rude service because of his life-changing soups, Dim Sum Nazi has even less charm and only cheap and huge dim sum unworthy of the agitation you will experience. An emotional rollercoaster for this regrettable dim sum joint:</p>
<p>- they took reservations for two tables on a Saturday morning, I find ample parking in the huge lot and walk in without lining up. I'm pleasantly surprised.<br>- I pass by the manager shrieking at people in line, telling them to share tables or they don't eat. I'm startled and annoyed.<br>- I see a lot of non-Chinese diners that don't look like they belong in a dim sum joint. I'm concerned.<br>- My brother nudges me and recognizes the loud, banshee of a manager is the one from Big Lai (which closed), I will call her "Dim Sum Nazi". I flashback to the old crappy Big Lai with the loud and rude service. I'm terrified.<br>- All dishes are only $2.95, they do cart service and everything is freakishly huge (possibly the biggest I've seen). Where most places give you 3 taro dumplings or salt-water dumplings, you get 4 huge pieces here. I'm pleased.<br>- While most of the dishes weren't anything special, it was mostly passable. However, one of the fishes dishes reeked and the chow fun was uber-greasy. I'm not impressed.<br>- End of a pretty mediocre dim sum session and bellies near bursting with monster-sized dumplings, my aunts and uncles engage in the ceremonial Chinese tradition of fighting over the bill. I'm entertained.<br>- Bill was only about $100 for 16 people across two tables. My mom had the foresight to pre-pay for the meal making the bill-fighting moot. The change is brought to us with the bill and I noticed that they charged 'tea fee' for 20 people. Thinking that they tried to pull a fast one, I'm annoyed.<br>- My mom brings it to the attention of Dim Sum Nazi - she knows exactly why we're complaining and says that she charged us for 20 people based on our reservation and it's not her fault some people didn't show. She flippantly dismisses the overcharge and says it's "just a few bucks" and walks away before we can respond. No apology. I'm bewildered and agitated.<br>- We ask another server if we can get some boxes for takeout and his response was to sneer, point at someone else and ignore us. Dim Sum Nazi comes back to shoo us out to clear the table. We grab our own takeout boxes - I'm infuriated.<br>- We collect back the tip we were originally going to leave and give a whopping $0.45 tip for the rude service and overcharging. The sneering server and a cohort notices there's no tip and glares at us as we leave - apparently, the best way to get the server's attention here is to not tip them. I roll my eyes and leave - should have shot back, "It's just a few bucks." I'm angry, but feel avenged.</p>
<p>Overall, Po King has the potential of a 'favourite' dim sum joint with the low prices, push carts and huge portions of mostly okay dim sum (if you avoid some of huge misses). I don't expect (or even want) servers to be friendly and know how curt dim service service can be - but the servers here go out of their way to be rude to you. If you hated Big Lai, you will hate Po King as well - thanks to Dim Sum Nazi and her crew.</p>
<p>Not going to come here again - but I hope they stay open forever, so Dim Sum Nazi can keep scaring children (see picture) and more people can think "Wow! Did she just say that to me?!" after being barked at by her - but most of all, so the staff there can stay as miserable as they are."-Johnson C.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/bonnys-taxi-burnaby">Bonny's Taxi</a></h4>
<p>One and a half stars on Yelp! for this lovely business. There are multiple reviews talking about how the driver flipped them off after cutting them off in traffic. The drivers also like to yell and their customers which I am sure is great for business.</p>
<p>"Worst taxi service experience EVER. I'm travelling around BC and on a tight budget but decided to treat myself to a taxi since my feet were sore from walking everywhere. Turns out, I should have walked.... actually, running to my destination and back with broken toes would have been a better experience. Even phoning for a cab was stressful. I had to explain over and over where it was i wanted to go and where i was waiting. The cab arrives within 10 minutes or less and stops directly across the road from me, calls me to ask where i am and i'm like, well, if you look out of your window, there i am...................(!!??) The drive there was so unpleasant that i almost laughed about it. His driving was unnerving and oh, he DIDN'T KNOW THE WAY. I had to keep explaining which street to take next and he tried to correct me a couple of times even though I was 100% sure where to go..... how embarrassing. I finally get there and hand him a 20 dollar note and he asks how much i want back.... i shouldn't have left anything, but i just told him to keep a couple of dollars from the change and he actually asked me how much that meant i wanted back.... Needless to say, I got out of there pretty quickly and will not be calling them again. I think the employees need trained from the basics. Oh and maybe they need to buy a GPS system and a calculator for their cab drivers.....?"-Elaine M.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/10/25/9610828/places-not-to-go-in-vancouver-burnabyAlicia Tolar2015-10-24T11:30:02-05:002015-10-24T11:30:02-05:00Pick the Lineup against the Vancouver Whitecaps
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Who’s in your starting XI? Which young players do you most want to see in the final game of the Dynamo season? </p> <p></p>
<p>Well, the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> season will officially come to a close after their match against the <a href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vancouver Whitecaps</a>. The Dynamo have been a long shot to make the playoffs for awhile now, but were officially ousted from mathematical possibility with their 1-1 draw to the <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Sounders</a> last week. The match against the Sounders saw plenty of action in the midfield, but chances were largely limited in the final 3<sup>rd</sup> of the field to both sides. <span>Ricardo Clark</span> was the first to break through with an excellent shot from outside the 18 yard box to beat Sounder keeper <span>Stefan Frei</span>, but <span>Obafemi Martins</span> equalized after confusion on a corner kick.</p>
<p>The Dynamo have utilized similar lineups for the past few weeks only moving a few players around here or there. Oscar Boniek Garcia took to playing right back again, despite his struggles at the position against <a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Dallas</a>, while <span>Sheanon Williams</span> partnered in central defense alongside <span>David Horst</span> while <span>Raul Rodriguez</span> served his suspension. <span>Luis Garrido</span> also rejoined the starting lineup after being held out of the starting XI against FC Dallas in favor of rookie <span>Rasheed Olabiyi</span>. Together, Clark and Garrido, helped prevent a potent Seattle offense from picking up much steam.</p>
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<p><b>Coyle's Starting XI against the Seattle Sounders</b></p>
<p>The Dynamo were successful against the Whitecaps earlier this year and stunned a top team with a 2-0 win at BBVA Compass Stadium. The Dynamo have been one of the worst MLS clubs on the road this season, but have won their other match in Canada this season with a 2-1 win over <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto FC</a>.</p>
<p>With the playoffs officially out of the picture, Coyle's options are nearly limitless. Coyle has said he wants to see some <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrellLovell/status/656881190901710848">younger players involved</a> and get another look at <span>Erick Torres</span> (Cubo), but I would expect some veterans have earned a spot on the final starting XI of the season.</p>
<p>Still, the younger group Coyle mentioned could open up starting time for the rookie <span>Rob Lovejoy</span>, Rasheed Olabiyi, <span>Mauro Manotas</span>, or AJ Cochran. With <span>Jermaine Taylor</span> (right quad tear) and <span>Nathan Sturgis</span> (left hip pointer) the only players on the injury report, there are plenty of chances to get creative with who'd you want to see in the starting XI for the Dynamo's last game of the season.</p>
<p>Which younger guys will we see and will Cubo get another chance in the starting lineup? Let us know how you would line up the squad ahead of our match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.</p>
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https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/10/24/9605962/pick-the-lineup-against-the-vancouver-whitecapsGribbs2015-10-24T09:30:01-05:002015-10-24T09:30:01-05:00Houston cap rough year in Vancouver
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<p>Injuries, call-ups, and inconsistent performances doomed the Dynamo to end the season early. Without playoff pressure, they travel to Canada to face the Whitecaps in a match that should bring starts for the team's up-and-coming youth.</p> <p>A long, arduous campaign has finally come to a (mathematical) end for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a>. After 33 matchdays, the men in orange have been officially eliminated from playoff contention and go into the final game of the year with no more weight on their shoulders.</p>
<p>Owen Coyle and his coaching staff now begin to shift their thoughts to 2016 and move on from a rebuilding season. What that likely means over the weekend is a rare glimpse at some of the underplayed and younger talent off the bench. That could mean minutes for players like <span>Mauro Manotas</span>, <span>Rasheed Olabiyi</span>, <span>Alex Lopez</span>, and, yes, <span>Erick Torres</span>.</p>
<p>Cubo Torres has been on the minds of many fans as of late following a successful week of Olympic qualifying for the Mexican national team. That week saw Cubo consistently involved, scoring goals and tallying assists - a far cry from his rather ineffectual run of play for the Dynamo. Between <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/08/houston-dynamo-laud-top-scorer-will-bruin-forwards-future-club-unclear">contract negotiations</a> for <span>Will Bruin</span> (who had a terrific year) and <a href="https://twitter.com/MLSTransfers/status/657247547136856064">rumors</a> of how Cubo Torres might (or might not) fit in the team, Houston is heading for potentially a bigger shakeup next season than the one ten months ago.</p>
<p>While Houston did earn a surprising result over Vancouver at home recently, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Whitecaps</a> -- once Supporters Shield contenders -- have found themselves in a rut as of late and need a victory over the Dynamo to ensure a favorable playoff seeding. With Houston expected to field a fresh lineup, the Whitecaps are deservedly the favorites headed into the regular season finale.</p>
<p>The Dynamo end the year playing for pride. There were moments of <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/9/28/9405417/dynamo-film-session-counter-attack-to-perfection?_ga=1.6691762.1030582130.1444009352">greatness</a> and <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/8/24/9194099/houston-dynamo-vs-portland-timbers-dynamo-film-session-darlington-nagbes-goal?_ga=1.39335715.1030582130.1444009352">other moments</a> firmly on the other end of the spectrum throughout the year. It's true that one or two results swayed the other way might find the Dynamo in the playoffs, but that is the way the beautiful game goes -- doubly so in the ultra-competitive Western conference.</p>
<p>Houston are to be commended for their performance despite adversities and a team makeup very different from the year before. Still, questions of the players and the coaching staff remain and in a few short months, fans will find their answers. Whether they are the answers that fans want is another story though it is safe to say that the masses will not tolerate three consecutive seasons without playoffs. No pressure.</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">The Houston Dynamo end the year in Vancouver on Sunday, October 25th at 6:00PM CT as part of MLS' Decision Day. The match is broadcast locally on ROOT Sports and can be tuned in at 1560AM and 850AM.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2015/10/24/9601958/dynamo-vancouver-whitecaps-2015-matchday-34Justin Jerkins