No goals scored this week, but none allowed by the Dynamo as they grabbed a pair of 0-0 draws. On Tuesday, the Dynamo welcomed the Chicago Fire into town for their second meeting of the season. Their previous encounter was cut short due to lightning and ended in a 1-1 draw. The second time around didn't provide any separation between the two clubs. By all accounts, Houston was much more likely to grab a goal and the win, but Chicago was stout defensively and didn't allow any openings. Saturday's matchup was another tough one, as the Dynamo traveled to Sporting Kansas City. It was a matchup of similar systems, and it was reflected in the result. Both squads had their chances: Boniek Garcia was bested by Jimmy Nielsen in a one-on-one situation in the 15th minute, and Jacob Peterson hit the post for Kansas City in the 33rd minute. That was as close as anyone would get, however, as both Eastern Conference teams left with a point.
The two points gained in the ties brings Houston to 25 points and holding steady in 5th place in the Eastern Conference standings, three points behind 4th place Chicago and eight behind co-leaders Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United. In the power rankings world, the MLSsoccer.com contingent kept the Orange in the No. 9 position, saying this about the recent formation change and results:
Watching the Dynamo in a 4-3-3 is kind of like watching a bulldozer in the Indy 500. Whether or not the lineup makes the best use of their attacking parts, though, there’s no question that the defense has suddenly looked solid again. That’s a trade-off Dominic Kinnear’s probably happy to make.
We'll see if the switch is a long-term solution in the coming week, when both of the Eastern Conference leaders come to BBVA Compass Stadium, as well as Montreal next Saturday.
The No. 9 spot seems to be the consensus in the power ranking circles, as that's where the Dynamo stand in the SoccerByIves and ESPN.com rankings. Sports Illustrated values Houston at No. 8 in MLS.
What do you think? Is No. 9 about right for the Dynamo at this point? Where do you think the Dynamo can end up with good results against D.C. and SKC? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
