Since making his debut on June 30 against the Philadelphia Union, new Dynamo signing Boniek Garcia has fit right in and made an immediate impact on the team. Using data from Opta, we’ll take a closer look into just how much that impact has been in his brief time with the club thus far.
Garcia’s arrival less than a month ago has sparked a very good run for the Dynamo. In the six games since he has been with the team, Houston has gone 4-0-2, scoring eleven goals and conceding just two.
Starting on the right side of the Dynamo’s new 4-3-3 and transitioning to the middle for the last two games against Sporting Kansas City and the Montreal Impact, Garcia has been plenty involved right from the start. He has played 90 minutes in all six matches, and leads all non-defenders in touches of the ball with 355.
The Honduran international doesn’t just get touches on the ball, he gets them in dangerous positions. His 110 passes in the final third of the pitch are 15 more than the next closest Dynamo player, and he also leads the team with eight successful crosses.
He has created six goal-scoring chances from open play, including two assists, which ties him with Will Bruin for the team lead in that time period. Throw in his headed goal against D.C. United, and Garcia has instantly become one of the most important attacking players wearing the orange.
Any man wanting to play for Dominic Kinnear had better play some defense, however, and Garcia has been doing that just as well as he attacks. His 28 ball recoveries are only behind Tally Hall, Bobby Boswell and Jermaine Taylor, and six successful tackles is better than all but two non-defenders.
Tracking back or going forward, the little Honduran with the big smile has been a welcome addition to the club as they push for a playoff spot and beyond.
