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I love the Dynamo, they stuck to their guns and kept the orange jerseys and Adidas didn’t make them switch to all white like every other dumb team in the league. The Houston Dynamo came away from CCL with a huge away win against Guastoya. Demarcus Beasley, the ageless wonder, scored in the 84th minute sealing the deal. The funny thing about the Dynamo is that no one seems to value them. From the outside they are seen as out of place in CCL, and a bottom feeder in MLS. Now both may be true, but the team can offer good fantasy return and they my surprise a few people early in the season.
Tactics & Key Players
In that CCL game the Dynamo came out in a 5-3-2 heavy on defense and focused on counter attacking soccer. The plan worked, the Dynamo have speed and ability up top in Romell Quioto, Alberth Elis and Mauro Manotas. Odds are they are going to open the season the same way, in a defensive bunkering style, assuming that they focus on Champions League and not the opening game or two. The early few weeks will be about rotation and youth which will bode well for players like Marlon Hairston, Mauro Manotas and Memo Rodriguez.
Goalkeepers: Joe Willis started in CCL, Tyler Deric, Michael Nelson is going to be the last keeper.
Defenders: The best defender on the team, Jered Watts, decided to retire so the defense will probably be in shambles. But they did pick up a great utility player in Marlon Hairston he can play practically anywhere. Sarcasm aside they Dynamo do have options: A.J. DeLaGarza and DaMarcus Beasley are back. The team picked up Chris Duvall, Maynor Figueroa and Kiki Struna. Plus, some young homegrown talent in Erik McCue and a draft pick in Andrew Samuels. Adam Lundqvist, Kevin Garcia and Alejandro Fuenmayor are all back. Like I said, options.
The Midfield: Juan David Cabezas, Darwin Ceren, Boniek Garcia and DP Tomas Martinez are all back. The team added players like Hairston and Tommy McNamara for depth. The more I’ve looked at this team the more I can convince myself that they are good. At the same time, I can easily be talked out of that stance. Martinez led the team in assists last season with 13 and is only 23 years old. The ceiling is high for the kid, he is the most expensive midfielder on the team at $9m.
Forwards: Probably the surest thing for this team; Alberth Elis, Mauro Manotas, Ronaldo Pena and Romell Quioto. Between the big three there were 36 goals and 23 assists. A good amount of points without having to break the bank.
Notable Changes
Again, no Watts, I know it sucks. Gone re Leonardo, Conor Donovan, Adolfo Machado, Dylan Remick and Mac Steeves. Also,Luis Gil is gone.
Fantasy Expectations
Like I said, you come to me face painted in orange screaming the Dynamo are the most balanced team in the league, I may believe it. But, you could also tell me they are going to be last in the west and I’d buy that as well. The team has good midfield play and if Joe Willis and this defense can keep some goals off the board there will be great value at the back end. If they perform well at home in their next CCL match, I’d expect the focus to be on that tournament for a few weeks. You can find some nice deep picks in players like McNamara and Hairston. After CCL is done, I am betting heavy on Tomas Martinez having a big year.
