The Houston Dynamo fell 3-1 on the road to the Colorado Rapids, dropping to a 0-7-2 record in 2017. Here are three things we learned on Saturday night:
1. Road woes continue
The Dynamo hadn't won in Colorado since October 4, 2008 but, with the Rapids suffering injuries in their U.S. Open Cup match, the outlook was positive. An Erick Torres goal in first half stoppage time had the team tied at the half for the third time this season, the other two instances ending in draws.
Unfortunately, Colorado sprung out of the gates in the second and took control of the result after a 48th minute goal from Marlon Hairston. The Dynamo continue to be eluded by the three points on the road, one of four teams in MLS lacking a road win in 2017.
When playing on the road, the Dynamo's output on both the offensive and defensive sides have been complete reversals from their home form. Houston has only been able to score six goals and has allowed 20, as opposed to scoring 25 and allowing eight goals at BBVA Compass Stadium. Both sides of the ball need to flip that script in order to change the current slide away from home.
The good news is the Dynamo are back at home on Wednesday for their next match against Montreal Impact FC (7:30 p.m. CT | TICKETS). They will then have two weeks to prepare for their next road match at expansion side Minnesota United FC on July 19.
2. Torres nets his third goal on the road
The year of vindication continues for 24-year-old Erick Torres who scored right before the half to bring his team level. It was Cubo’s first road goal for the Dynamo in the run of play, his other two goals against Portland and Atlanta coming via the penalty spot.
The goal was the Mexican’s 12th on the season, bringing him one goal shy from tying Brian Ching’s single-season record. The striker is also now three goals away of matching his career-best of 15 goals from the 2014 season.
Torres has been a big part of the Dynamo’s turnaround in 2017. Getting him touches in and around the box on the road could be key in changing the Dynamo's fortunes.
3. The Dynamo have two starting goalkeepers
Anyone who might’ve thought Joe Willis' shot at being the starting goalkeeper was gone because of the Dynamo’s elimination in the U.S. Open Cup might be mistaken. After going 90 minutes midweek in the 2-0 loss against Sporting KC, Willis suited up again on Saturday night for the Dynamo.
Tyler Deric was benched due to food poisoning, according to head coach Wilmer Cabrera after the match. It is still up in the air who will start on Wednesday vs. Montreal.
The Dynamo have two goalkeepers who have proven themselves able to be the starter on this team. It is the team’s strongest depth at a position and whoever Cabrera eventually names the permanent No. 1, it’s a certainty that the Dynamo will be in good hands.
