Every game is a learning opportunity for coaches, players and fans. Here are three things we learned from the 3-2 Houston Dynamo win against Vancouver last week.
Opening the scoreboard
The Houston Dynamo conceded the first goal in its first two matches of the Major League Soccer season, and that caused some concern.
In the team’s season opener March 2 against Real Salt Lake, the opponent opened the scoreboard before the Dynamo equalized the 1-1 game in the 62nd minute. The same scenario played out in the second game against Montreal Impact, this time the Dynamo coming back from a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1.
Head coach Wilmer Cabrera said he was not OK with his team giving up early goals, and he would be working on the issue with the team.
A week later, the Dynamo responded by scoring first against Vancouver on their way to another victory. Attacking midfielder Memo Rodriguez notched the opening goal in the 15th minute, assisted by teammate Alberth Elis.
Boom! Goal #ForeverOrange @alberthelis17 ➡️ @40_jrod https://t.co/JbN8FU7Ip5
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 16, 2019
After a week off during an international window, Houston will get another chance to strike first when it travels for the first time this season to face the Colorado Rapids March 30.
More scoring options
After the Vancouver win, Cabrera said that under his guidance the Dynamo are scoring more goals than ever before.
What’s the secret?
Well, many of the players are really good at scoring.
Although forward Mauro Manotas has taken the spotlight, breaking the club’s single-season scoring record with 25 goals last year, there are others who can put it in the net.
The Dynamo can also count on Rodriguez, who recently won MLS goal of the week for a score against Montreal and scored two goals against Vancouver.
Forward Alberth Elis also has to be highlighted for his most recent game versus Vancouver, when he was involved with all the goals — grabbing two assists and converting a penalty kick in the 42nd minute to help his club get the win.
La Pantera with his first of the year in @MLS. 🐾 #HOUvVAN https://t.co/bn6AH7CF3e
— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) March 16, 2019
Representing Houston
Five Houston Dynamo players have been called up to their respective national teams for FIFA fixtures this weekend.
Elis, forward Romell Quioto and defender Maynor Figueroa were called up by Honduras. ‘Los Catrachos’ will face off with Ecuador in New Jersey on Tuesday.
El Salvador called up midfielder Darwin Cerén for a Saturday home game against Jamaica in Concacaf Nations League play and a Tuesday match in Washington, D.C., against Peru.
Defenders Aljaž “Kiki” Struna earned his first call-up by Slovenia since he joined the Dynamo in December. He will join his country Thursday in a friendly against Israel before playing host to Macedonia on Sunday for UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying.