Ricardo Clark is no stranger to the postseason. The Dynamo midfielder, who rejoined Houston after a two-year stint abroad, is back in the MLS Cup playoffs for the eighth time in his career.
“It’s awesome and I’m glad to be back here,” Clark said of his return to the Dynamo and the playoffs. “I really appreciate being in the playoffs. I just hope to do the best I can to help the team move forward.”
The tenacious midfielder rejoined the Dynamo in August, and has been a consistent contributor for Dominic Kinnear’s side over the past three months. Although he has only one goal in his 11 appearances this season, that goal proved crucial, as it broke a scoreless tie against the New England Revolution on September 29.
“Everybody knows how good Rico is and I think he has had a seamless fit back in this group,” said midfielder Brad Davis. “He is obviously a great player with great experience. He has been to MLS Cup a couple times with this group so he knows what to expect.”
Along with his composure in the Dynamo midfield, Clark understands the challenges of navigating a difficult playoff run. His last playoff appearance was a 2-0 road loss to the LA Galaxy in the 2009 Western Conference final.
Clark believes his previous playoff experience - which includes 14 matches between Houston, San Jose and the MetroStars - will be beneficial as the Dynamo go for their third MLS Cup title.
“I’ve learned that we have to patient, especially playing away,” the midfielder said. “It’s not always going to be pretty. We just have to have that hunger and desire to do what it takes to make it happen because it’s either win or go home.”
