"The Force" was not Present on Offense: Matchweek 12 (St. Louis @ Houston)

 

Before we Begin…

           …Let’s take a brief second to realistically look at the Dynamo’s roster and situation entering the match against St. Louis. The Dynamo’s two DPs and one of their star U-22 initiatives are recovering from injury and working back into match fitness (with Quinones out for the season). In total, H.H. and Sebas Ferreira have played a maximum total of 97 minutes on the pitch together (could not find the exact stat. Sorry). I will not rehash my opinions about Pat Onstad and Asher Mendelsohn’s difficult decision. Check out my previous blogs if you missed it. That said, the Dynamo are fighting for their lives right now; yet the Dynamo are approximately in the same position they were in at this time last year. Last year was successful (in my opinion), yet there were a ton of rough moments especially in the goal scoring department. I agree, this year is a similar problem. Hopefully Sebas and H.H. can get healthy and provide that offensive spark while Onstad and Mendelsohn make some money moves in key positions this summer to add to that offensive spark. I can understand the frustration of only scoring 9 goals this season. I am wondering if we can appreciate (for now) the defensive efforts of the Dynamo. With only 10 goals allowed, if we can take a moment to see the glass half full for a few minutes, the defensive structure of the Dynamo is tough to break down. Hearing comments about the Dynamo’s roster compared to LAFC’s roster and attacking power, looking at the standings, LAFC is only ahead of the Dynamo by one point (The Dynamo having a game in hand). Additionally, with all the stars at LAFC on offense (19 GF), LAFC currently has a goal differential of 0. Scoring goals is only half of the beautiful game. Defense is key as well. Not to excuse the Dynamo’s inability to finish, just something to consider. With my personal rant over, let’s get to…

The Breakdown…

…Losing back-to-back matches against rivals is not acceptable for fans, critics, media members, or the Dynamo players. Especially when the Dynamo were favored significantly on paper. Austin FC and FC Dallas (as I painfully address them respectively) realized matches are won on the pitch rather than paper. What makes these two loses more painful is the fact that the Dynamo could not finish despite creating opportunities, and fans, including myself (despite what my introduction states) are fed up with Ben Olsen’s tactical decisions, Onstad and Mendelsohn’s depth signings (regardless of future plans), the players making one too many passes rather than shooting, and the finishing (when someone finally shoots with a clear chance) being atrocious. It appears (to some extent) the Dynamo are equally frustrated about their form entering the match against St. Louis. Unfortunately, the offensive struggles continued for a third consecutive match. My description of this match…

A Beautiful Disaster…

            …The Dynamo started slow yet again, building momentum as the match progressed. There were several disastrous moments in our final third that could (and should) have been punished by the St. Louis strikers. Fortunately, the force aligned with the Dynamo this match, as atrocious is an inadequate description of St. Louis’ finishing on the night. With the multitude of changes to the back line (for a multitude of reasons), coupled with the changes in midfield responsibilities, the Dynamo struggled to break St. Louis’ high press early in the match. Add some lackluster passing to the equation summing up the disastrous moments in the match. Yet, when the Dynamo successfully broke lines during the high press, the beauty of the Dynamo’s playing illuminated the night. With H.H. and Artur commanding the build-up play, adding to the finesse abilities of Carrasquilla, Bassi, and Kowalczyk, and the threat of Aliyu providing width and pace on the wing, the Dynamo looked spectacular with their combination play. It is hard to deny that the combination passing combined with the off ball runs that the Dynamo attacking chances throughout the match looked attractive. Unfortunately, attraction only gets you so far. Without personality, the most attractive play inevitably loses its beauty. In this case, the disastrous personality of the Dynamo appeared yet again in their lack of finishing. Adding to the frustration (from the fan perspective) is the emphasis on making the extra pass to set up the perfect chance, rather than taking a shot, testing the keeper, and seeing what happens. While the Dynamo did have some decent shots from outside of the box by the defenders to force St. Louis’ back line to step up or risk giving up a golazo, St. Louis called the Dynamo’s bluff and the few shots from outside the box were not enough of a threat for St. Louis to adjust their low block tactics.

 

            That said, the Dynamo did have some opportunities to score with their combination play, set piece play, and counterattacking play. Statistically, the Dynamo won the battle in possession, expected goals, quality chances, shots, and shots on goal. Yet, we know that there are lies, damn lies, and statistics. Statistics can paint an image that is drastically different than observable evidence. The observable evidence this match illustrated the bad form of the Dynamo finishing leading to the pleas from fans for Onstad and Mendelsohn to bring in some quality attackers.

While H.H. did increase the Dynamo’s attacking chances, his minutes restriction took most of the sting out of the Dynamo’s attacking chances; both statistically and observably. Minus a few chances from both teams (and some quality defending by both defenses) the match ends without a goal for the Dynamo, leading to a scoreless drought of 270+ minutes. While the Dynamo defense should receive the praise they deserve, acknowledging the defense without criticizing the offense can only last for so long before the praise becomes draining, and the fans (including myself) begin to revolt. It is still early in the season to demand a regime change leading to another rebuild. Yet, the pressure from the media, fans, and analysts is building. In the end, this healthy pressure on the club to produce is beneficial, if it is realistic; and, patience is running this from even the most devout fans defending the club. Ultimately, if Onstad, Mendelsohn, and Ted Segal do not spend big, and nail the summer transfer window, fans may very well initiate “Order 66” on the front office. Only time will tell. That stated, lets discuss tactics briefly…

The Dynamo’s Tactics

            I am really starting to enjoy playing Monday morning manager despite having no qualifications to do so. Granted, it is easier to question tactical decisions after the fact. Yet, considering the players available (or at least available according to the availability report provided by MLS the day before) I have enjoyed tactical discussions and tinkering with lineups as I study this beautifully (and at times frustrating) game that is soccer (or futbol depending on your stance.)

            With Dorsey suspended for receiving a red last match, and with Escobar being a late scratch due to injury, I fully expected the Dynamo to play a 3-4-1-2 with H.H. and Artur playing the double pivot. Add Bassi and Carrasquilla to the midfield and Kowalczyk playing a false 9, and you have a solid midfield core with creativity, dribbling, passing, and combination play capabilities. Add Aliyu and Gaines/Blessing (I went with Gaines) pace on the wings and the potential for some interesting play may be possible. See animation below for attacking and transition defending alignments.

            Olsen, decided to go a different route (not saying mine was better), and go a 4-2-3-1. The interesting decision Olsen made was having Tate Schmitt play at RB rather than LB. While I understand Schmitt getting the start over Smith, as Schmitt is a better defender, I am puzzled by him playing on the right as a left-footed player. Despite getting forward and providing a wide option, due to playing an inverted position, Schmitt’s play narrowed the Dynamo attack without any real crossing threat out wide. I will say, Olsen has forgotten more about soccer than I will ever know. Ultimately, I believe in Olsen (and the Dynamo appear to believe as well). I am curious as to the narrowness of the attack. I would love to hear anyone’s take on this to get a better understanding. Again, it is easy to play Monday Morning Manager, and I am way too underpaid and underqualified to question Olsen’s tactics or suggest a different style. So, with that, let’s move to…

Stoppage Time Thoughts…

            Yet another game without a goal and another game leaving the Dynamo community frustrated. Despite what the stats suggest, the Dynamo struggled to finish. It was great to see Artur, H.H., Carrasquilla, Bassi, and Kowalczyk on the field at the same time. There were some masterclass combination plays that were executed with style, precision, and coordination that lead to some excellent chances. Yet, no matter how stylish, precise, and coordinated the attack looks, without scoring, this match felt like yet another match stolen from the Dynamo. What hurts more is that we dropped even more points at home. Given our away form in recent history (although there has been progress), making up those points away from “Hell in the Shell” will be a difficult task. Hoping the Dynamo can bounce back, score some goals on Tuesday, gain some confidence, and return to the Dynamo team apparent late last season and early this season. Only time will tell what happens next.  Until next time…

Signing off for now, “El Profe”