Hustlin' was an Understatement: Matchday 4 (Portland @ Houston) Analysis

Before we Begin...

            I believe that it is only appropriate to start this post with a bit of an introduction. First, thanks for checking out the blog. This is my first ever attempt at starting a blog related to Houston soccer teams. Every time I thought about it, I talked myself out of it. I am glad I finally took the chance. I hope to continue to do this for every Dynamo game and eventually expand to the Dash and DynaDos if time permits or if anyone is interested in contributing. 

A little bit about myself. My name is Alexis "El Profe" Croffie (yes, I am corny). I've been a Season Ticket Holder (STH) for the last 10 years and have loved every minute of it (the highs and the incredible lows). I have absolutely no formal knowledge of the game of soccer. I never played (unless you count social leagues, in which case I can play a mean RB), coached, refed, or studied the game in any sort of official capacity. As a matter of fact, I did not even become a soccer fan until 2006 (I'll explain how if enough people are interested). All my knowledge of the game is self-taught; whether it has been following my clubs and national teams, having discussions with knowledgeable Dynamo fans (I am always down to talk Dynamo and am always willing to learn), or learning basic principles of the game from former players and current coaches at the U-19 level. I hope to engage with you all in an honest, productive manner to increase fan engagement and hopefully pick up some new fans along the way. With that being said, here's my take on Matchday 4.

Setting the Scene...

Entering Matchday 4, the Dynamo were struggling to find their form to say the least. With a congested schedule, a plethora of key injuries in key positions late into the preseason and early into the MLS season, and players stuck in their home countries for one reason or another, the depth of the Dynamo squad was thinner than LeBron James' hair. Couple that with a front office struggling to add quality players to help the squad depth (more on this later), and you get a Dynamo squad that regressed to the "struggle years" of recent memory. Fresh off a tough exit in the CONCACAF Champions Cup (CCC) and struggling to launch in the regular season standings with a 0-1-1 record, the Dynamo desperately needed something to go their way this week. Enter the Portland Timbers, a team coming off one of their worst seasons in recent memory. Despite their unusual season last year, the Timbers jumped out to a strong start to the 2024 season, entering Matchday 4 unbeaten with a 2-1-0 record under new manager Phil Neville. Coupled with the Timbers having a 10-7-7 all-time regular season record against the Dynamo, getting back on track would not be an easy task for the men in orange. Not to mention the Dynamo wore their "cursed" purple kits (sorry my inner chaotic side just couldn't resist starting some jersey controversy), leaving fans with little to be optimistic for entering Saturday's match-up. Without our captain and main play-making midfielder H.H., the Dynamo desperately needed someone to step-up their play-making abilities, get shots on goal, and finish chances...

With the Scene Set, Let's Get into some Analysis...

...and that is exactly what the Dynamo did. With a front 4 by committee approach (the rotating combination of Aliyu, Seba, Carrasquilla, and Bassi), coupled with the width provided by Dorsey and Escobar (at times), the Dynamo attack came alive Saturday night. As expected, the Dynamo excelled in their ability to combine passes and make the appropriate switch when necessary. It appears the Dynamo strategy was to utilize pace on the wings as much as possible to look for an opportunity to cross the ball to incoming attackers crashing the box. If the initial cross was not on or the wide player could not make a move on the endline, then the Dynamo were content with intricate passing combinations to create space for the shot. One thing I was encouraged to see this game that was not apparent in many of the previous games (or last year for that matter) was the Dynamo’s willingness to take the shot especially from outside the box. In my opinion, this added aspect of their attack forced the Timbers back line to make a decision; step up and defend the shot or continue to drop back and cover the runners. With this added wrinkle (something fans including myself have asked for often under Manager Ben Olsen’s regime) the Dynamo attack looked dangerous throughout the game. Despite some missed chances and a few shots just off the mark (including hitting the side post), the attack in the first half was consistent and the Dynamo (like often) dominated possession. While the Timbers and Phil Neville appeared to be content with absorbing the pressure and counterattacking when the opportunity presented itself, the Dynamo attack looked to return to the form we expected entering the season. Finally, the Dynamo were able to capitalize on their chances with a beautiful (and very dangerous) cross from Carrasquilla to Aliyu for the eventual game winner late in the first half. Granted, Aliyu benefitted from miscommunication between the goalkeeper and the defender; however, that miscommunication does not occur if the ball was not placed exceptionally by our favorite Coconut (who played on a completely different level after taking out the braids). 

            Despite the Dynamo’s dangerous attacking game in the first half, Portland had some opportunities of their own. With Dorsey higher up the pitch (and Escobar joining in on the attack at times), the Dynamo wings were exposed for the counterattack. That counterattack had a couple of key opportunities to be successful after some mistakes in the passing game by the Dynamo attack. Michael, Dorsey, and Escobar were phenomenal in recovery (particularly Dorsey who was responsible for coving a ton of ground in his recovery run). Bartlow played well at times, while at times he was exposed (and badly at that). However, Bartlow’s play was just good enough to keep the clean sheet on.

            The second half was a slightly different story. The Timbers, being a goal down, were forced out of their defensive shell and proved they could initiate dangerous attacking sequences through possession rather than just the counterattack. Couple that with a rocky defensive start to the second half, and the Dynamo were close to giving up their lead in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Eventually, the Dynamo defense adapted to the change in tactics and solidified their defense. That is not to say Portland did not have some dangerous chances later in the half. However, the Dynamo handled the increased attack well and had a few chances of their own to break out their own counterattacking chances. The Dynamo refused to park the bus early (a change fans pleaded for throughout the short start of this season) and took the opportunity to push forward when the opportunity presented itself. After some substitutions on both sides and adapting to the tactical change present, the Dynamo were able to hold off the Timbers for a much needed first win in the 2024 regular season. What encouraged me the most is that the Dynamo found a way to look dangerous despite the key missing pieces from the squad. Which leads me to…

Front Office Conundrum…

            …ask the (impossible) question the front office must answer. It is well noted that the Dynamo depth is thin. This depth is going to be challenged even more with the absence of Carrasquilla due to international duty. While bringing in Latif Blessings adds a versatile piece that adds depth in a variety of positions, the Dynamo could desperately use another key signing or two for depth. While I would love to see the Dynamo Front Office make some key signings at the 5, 7, 9, 10, or 11 positions, the question they must answer (which is well above my pay grade) is when to make these moves. With the rumors circulating around roster rule changes for the summer window by de-coupling the DP and U-22 slots (allowing for teams to have up to three DPs and three U-22 initiative players on the active roster), this becomes a very challenging question to answer. Pat and Asher must decide if the roster in its current form (with the possibility of Sebas returning soon) is well equipped to keep us in the playoff hunt by the time H.H. returns and the secondary window opens (July 18^th), or if the roster needs help now during the primary window which closes in about a month (April 23^rd). Waiting until the secondary window allows for more flexibility to spend big to get more key players, especially if the roster rules rumors are true. Additionally, the available player pool looking to make a move becomes deeper. Not to mention having additional money if Coco is sold to a European team over the summer (as he has expressed his desires to land in Europe since last season). However, with the Dynamo being in contention for three more trophies, the current depth of the squad may not be enough to be competitive in all three competitions as the congested schedule continues to add miles to the legs of our starters. In my opinion, I would personally like to see the Dynamo wait to make big moves in the secondary window to improve the squad for league’s cup and ultimately a deep run in the playoffs; however, if the depth is not good enough in its current state to keep us close to the playoff line before reinforcements can arrive, those reinforcements may not be enough to get us into the playoffs. That (in my opinion) is the cost/benefit analysis Pat and Asher must decide and quickly at that. With that question posed, I would love for you all to weigh in on your thoughts. Until then, it is time for my…

Stoppage Time Thoughts…

            Overall, the Dynamo did exactly what they needed to do this week, which was secure a victory at home and move higher up the standings. Now the Dynamo face a difficult test entering Matchday 5. With no Carrasquilla available, our road woes seemingly still apparent (can we get someone to please perform a limpia on the Dynamo travel equipment), and playing in altitude, the Dynamo have an uphill battle to steal some points on the road. While the Rapids aren’t exactly making any major statements up to this point in the season, they have made some moves from both a roster and coaching standpoint to lay a solid foundation for a rebuild. Right now, I don’t think the Dynamo should count on any game being a gimmie, especially with the state of the current roster. With that being said, looking at the Dynamo’s next few matches, this is a great opportunity for the Dynamo go on a run, steal some points back, and increase our standings. Be on the lookout for my score and lineup predictions on my Twitter (it will always be Twitter to me) come matchday. Until then, remember Dynamo fans to #HoldItDown. 

Signing off for now, “El Profe”