While Tyler Deric’s star turn against the San Jose Earthquakes got all the headlines last weekend, Eddie Robinson, Bobby Boswell and Mike Chabala quietly returned to the Dynamo's starting lineup for the first time since the Sept. 18 match against Toronto FC. While the entire defense has had a disappointing season, Houston put together one of the team’s strongest defensive efforts against the Quakes in a 1-0 victory.
“The team in front of him made [Deric’s] job easier,” Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear said. “They were really good.”
Kinnear has tried different looks for the Dynamo back line in the last month, with the team trying to get players a last opportunity before an offseason of change and dealing with suspension to Boswell. But there were no complaints from what many would consider Houston’s starters in defense.
“It is pro sports,” Chabala said. “Guys get results, and you are out of the lineup. Getting back into the lineup, you just want to play the best of your ability.”
Added Boswell, “We’re just glad to be back out there. We’ve done it long enough to know that there are ups and downs, and you just have to make sure when you play, you are ready, and it was one of our better collective efforts.”
Trialist Shows Well; Possible November Training Session
Cuban trialist Yordany Álvarez completed his final training session with Houston on Thursday and showed promise, according to Kinnear.
“He’s very tidy on the ball, and I thought he looked comfortable on the ball,” Kinnear said of the midfielder. “He showed he was a good player, and we’re thinking about doing something in November with some other players, and we may bring him again and look at him then.”
Houston Healthy
Ironically, the Dynamo are quite possibly the healthiest they have been all year. Forward Brian Ching and midfielder Anthony Obodai practiced fully on Thursday. Goalkeeper Tally Hall, who had been plagued by a high ankle sprain, looks to have made progress this week and might be available for selection against the Seattle Sounders.
Dwain Capodice is a contributor to MLSsoccer.com. Questions or Comments can be sent via email to dwaincapodice@gmail.com.
