DaMarcus Beasley put it simply: “We’re still in it.”
Entering Saturday’s match against the Colorado Rapids (7:30 p.m. CT, TICKETS), the Houston Dynamo are just three points—one win—away from the sixth and final playoff spot. A Dynamo win, a Portland Timbers loss on the road to Columbus Crew SC, and a draw or Real Salt Lake win against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday would have Houston tied with at least Portland on 41 points for that last spot.
“As many opportunities as we’ve missed, if we win this game we’re sitting right back in the mix of things and putting pressure on teams again,” Dynamo captain Brad Davis said. “I know the guys are feeling good, but we’ve got to go out and replicate that type of performance [from Wednesday night].”
As one of four teams still realistically in the mix for the sixth spot, the Dynamo still need help from the teams surrounding them (as evidenced by the scenario above). The good news for the Dynamo is that—while it would feel great to reach that spot this weekend—it doesn’t all have to happen in a game. With four games remaining, the Dynamo are still focused on themselves and making sure they come out for each game prepared to get the wins needed to put themselves in position, starting on Saturday.
“We’re sitting here with a great opportunity, and I would be shocked if we didn’t come out flying,” Davis said. “Coming off that win the other night, with an opportunity to put ourselves above that red line depending on what happens with the games or whatever. But at least in a tying position, possibly, for that last playoff spot.”
Wednesday’s win over fifth-place Sporting Kansas City served as a confidence booster for the team as well as bettering their playoff chances. After a pair of deflating defeats against Real Salt Lake and the Philadelphia Union, the win against another playoff contender has given the Dynamo a jolt entering the final month of play.
“It’ll be difficult, but until we’re mathematically unable to make the playoffs we’re going to fight for that chance,” Beasley said. “We definitely have no room for error in these last few games.
“If we can get nine to 12 points out of these games then I tink we’re going to make a good case to be in the playoffs.”
