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The Houston Dynamo Defensive Distraction

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Editorial – The Houston Dynamo will travel to San Jose Earthquakes without the suspended DaMarcus Beasley. Beasley, Panamanian International Adolfo Machado, and Leonardo gave the Dynamo three-fourths of a solid backline.

The Houston Dynamo Defensive Distraction

Three-fourths isn’t enough. Houston is leaking goals, having conceded six in four games. Teams are attacking the Dynamo flanks. New England Revolution, Houston’s last opponent, spend 39% of their time playing the right side.

Las Naranjas were pressured by Vancouver Whitecaps FC 40% of the time on the right. Houston’s lack of a quality right back hinders them. Honduran International Alberth Elis getting two goals and three assists make him a mainstay in the offensive third. 

Midfielder Andrew Winger, who plays high so Beasley can overlap, has scored one goal in four games. Designated Player Tomas Martinez has provided one assist for his only stat in his four-game debut. Houston is built to counter which can lead to a problem controlling games. 

The Dynamo should keep possession at their attacking half by link-up play to defeat San Jose. New York City FC gave their possession meaning in Northern California. NYCFC had scoring chances and contained the Quakes attack leading to a 2-1 comeback win.

San Jose may counter quickly to their offense third. What’s unique about them is their choice to string passes staying patient for easier scoring chances. The Quakes Designated Player Magnus Eriksson prefers this method. 

The Bay Area squad went after NYCFC’s left side during their match. Machado may occupy the left back position being more of an attacking threat. The 21-year-old Venezuelan Alejandro Fuenmayor may play at center back.

Kevin Garcia could be playing at right back which is one-fourth the defensive equation keeping Houston from progressing. Machado replaced Garcia at right back when Swiss International center back Philippe Senderos suffered a hamstring injury.

The disruption in Houston’s defense will make the Dynamo’s season a climb above the red line difficult. They lost 1-0 at Avaya Stadium last September. The South Texas squad can’t ascend with the stigma of winning five away games in three years.

Alberth Elis may have to aid Garia in marking Eriksson. Quakes center back Harold Cummings will be suspended and may give Houston a crack in the San Jose’s questionable defense. 

It’s common knowledge a tie is usually an acceptable result on the road in MLS. The Dynamo biggest disappointment wouldn’t be a narrow loss. A lack of leadership with no effort at the end of 90 minutes will forecast the current state of the Dynamo.

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