With the Dynamo set to begin the 2013 season in just 14 days – against D.C. United at BBVA Compass Stadium on March 2 – we are counting down to kickoff with a Dynamo-centric countdown to opening day. See the bottom of this post for the complete countdown list.
Each day, we’ll post a short description of what makes the number significant. If you have any Dynamo-related numbers of your own, post them in the comment section below.
Today, we continue with #14:
The Dynamo won 14 regular season games en route to a 14-9-11 record in 2012. The 14 wins were one shy of a franchise record, set in 2007. Despite the Dynamo finishing one short of a franchise record, Houston was in a dogfight for a playoff spot in 2012. It was the most competitive playoff race in Dynamo history, as Houston set a franchise record with 53 points but only secured the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Prior to 2012, the Dynamo were a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in all five playoff appearances in team history.
For context, compare the 2012 Eastern Conference playoff teams to the same field in 2011. The five East playoff teams averaged 57.6 points in 2012 after the same group averaged just 48.2 in 2011. That difference is more than 9 points, meaning the 2012 playoff field averaged 3 more wins than 2011. The Dynamo had 49 points in 2011 - four fewer than 2012 - but earned a No. 2 seed.
How many games will the Dynamo win in 2013? Will take advantage of a full nine-month season at home as supposed to starting on the road for seven straight games ( a la 2012)? Will the desire to give itself the best chance to host MLS Cup in 2013 help the club break 15 wins? The answers will be here soon. The season starts in 14 days.
Here is a list of the most regular season wins per season in Dynamo history:
<strong>YEAR</strong> |
<strong>WINS</strong> |
<strong>RECORD</strong> |
<strong>TOTAL GAMES</strong> |
<strong>POINTS</strong> |
<strong>2007</strong> |
15 |
5-8-7 |
30 |
52 |
<strong>2012</strong> |
14 |
14-9-11 |
34 |
53 |
<strong>2008</strong> |
13 |
13-5-12 |
30 |
51 |
<strong>2009</strong> |
13 |
13-8-9 |
30 |
48 |
<strong>2011</strong> |
12 |
12-9-13 |
34 |
49 |
<strong>2006</strong> |
11 |
11-8-13 |
32 |
46 |
Return to the blog on Sunday for number 13 on our countdown to opening day.
Complete Countdown to Opening Day List:
#15 - Brad Davis' career goals and assists vs. D.C. United
#16 - Will Bruin sets franchise record with 16 goals in all competitions
#17 - Dynamo scored 17 goals in final 15 minutes of games in 2012
#18 - Dynamo have lost just 18 MLS home games in seven years
#19 - Dynamo finish 2012 with franchise best +19 home goal differential
#20 - Brad Davis' combined goals and assists in 2011 and 2012
