2017 has been a lot better for the Dynamo than in recent years.
In an article for MLSsoccer.com, Will Parchman picked Houston along with Columbus Crew SC and the Chicago Fire as the league's most improved teams early on this season.
Twelve games into the season, the team is 6-5-1 (19 points) and tied for second place in the Western Conference, just three points behind leaders Sporting Kansas City (and with a game in hand). After 12 games in 2016, the Dynamo were 3-7-2 (11 points) and then-head coach Owen Coyle left to go back home to England. The team didn't reach the 19 point mark until July 23.
The turnaround for Houston has been sudden – perhaps even a bit ahead of schedule – and fun. The team has taken advantage of a heavy home schedule with an undefeated 6-0-1 mark at BBVA Compass Stadium, and has one of the most electric attacks in the league. Their 22 goals are tied for the most in the Western Conference, and second in MLS. Just 12 games into the season, and that's already more than halfway to the 39 goals scored in all of 2016.
A slew of offseason changes have changed the make-up of the team, as vice president/general manager Matt Jordan and new head coach Wilmer Cabrera identified a diverse core of players to bring a fresh, winning mentality to the team. The team has also found a recognizable playing style, with their high press and quick counter attacks leading to 5.3 shots on target per game – second most in the league.
There's a lot to like about these Dynamo, as they look to continue their strong start into the summer and push for a return to the playoffs. You can catch them in action this Sunday night on FS1 as they take on rivals FC Dallas (7 p.m. CT), then return home to BBVA Compass Stadium on Wednesday, May 31 to face Real Salt Lake (7:30 p.m. CT | TICKETS).
