After a hiccup in Week 1, the Houston Dynamo have put together a well-crafted, six-game unbeaten streak fueled by a locker room that is clicking on all levels.
While the Dynamo are going strong on the field – the attack is steadily improving and the defense is one of the league’s stingiest – the off-the-field chemistry is just as good. The team is getting along, working together, and creating some friendly competition on a team filled with depth.
“You never know what kind of character you will bring in with such a high turnover,” head coach Dominic Kinnear said after last Friday’s 4-1 win over D.C. United. “It’s really competitive on the field. Off the field, everyone is clicking.”
The exceptional chemistry is producing a team that is pushing each other for both time and production. With the depth on the team, it would be easy – and somewhat understandable – for egos and personal motives to take over. But strong veteran leadership from players such as Brian Ching, Brad Davis, Bobby Boswell, and Eddie Robinson have helped any personal issues fall by the wayside.
The result of the selflessness is a high level of play and camaraderie. Ching’s celebration of rookie Will Bruin’s first goal Friday night was a display of that. The veteran striker – on the mend from a rib injury – did the “dancing bear” from the bench after the goal to support his young teammate.
“Our locker room has always been a good locker roo --, guys get along and generally want to see each other do well and help the team do better,” Ching said. “It’s an easy locker room to come into, and if you come and work hard, you’ll earn the respect of the guys right away.”
Houston is currently two points out of first place in the Eastern Conference, and the fast start has helped speed up the gelling process.
“It’s kind of crazy,” said goalkeeper Tally Hall. “You always say in the beginning of the season that you want the season to start well. You know it’s one thing wishing it, but the guys have been great and made it happen.”
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.
