2012 Houston Dynamo thread

[dumbartonbass]

Originally Posted by bigtexxx What type of quality level could the DP be? Like a Wayne Rooney level impact player? Or more likely some Mexican player that will draw interest with that demographic locally?

My guess would be a Hispanic player - at least that's what I read from De La Hoya's quote. The Dynamo ownership group definitely has the deep pockets (they also own Los Angeles Galaxy), but to date we've had a completely different spending philosophy from LA. I really hope that a quality, young player could be had instead of an older player like Robbie Keane in LA.

[leroy]

Great way to open the new stadium last night....though it could have been better. The finishing was pathetic. Too many chances in the box that should have been buried. Ching, Taylor and Bruin all missed on what should have been goals. Davis' goal was a thing of beauty and probably 2nd of what could be considered the most fitting ways to open (the first being Ching putting 4 away like he did in the Dynamo's first ever home game).

They played very well. It was clear the energy they got from finally playing at home. Hopefully it will lift them to many more wins.

[jdh008]

Originally Posted by dumbartonbass My guess would be a Hispanic player - at least that's what I read from De La Hoya's quote. The Dynamo ownership group definitely has the deep pockets (they also own Los Angeles Galaxy), but to date we've had a completely different spending philosophy from LA. I really hope that a quality, young player could be had instead of an older player like Robbie Keane in LA.

But I would certainly take an older player like Keane if our DP was going to have an impact like Keane did last season.

[Major Malcontent]

Enjoyed Orange Avenue before the game, it was probably the place to be in Houston yesterday. I didn't have any food at the stadium itself, but some of the choices looked good.

I was seated way up high behind the goal. It was a better seat in the second half when the Dynamo were attacking that side. Could see everything very well.

I have been in Robertson when the crowd was more into the game, I was expecting insanity, perhaps it was because the first game had some people who wanted to be there for the "event" of the first game but weren't devoted soccer fans. All in all, it was a great experience. I have a ticket for Tuesday and after that I am going to some games later in the year (5 game mini-plan)

[FrancisFan3]

Is there a chance Stuart Holden returns to the Houston Dynamo since the Bolton Wanderers just got relegated from the Premier League.

[Naija Texan]

I doubt it but who knows.

I'd like him back but one thing that I worry about is the money he will want.

[leroy]

Originally Posted by FrancisFan3 Is there a chance Stuart Holden returns to the Houston Dynamo since the Bolton Wanderers just got relegated from the Premier League.

IMO, no chance at all. He's proven, when healthy, that he belongs in the EPL.

[SwoLy-D]

GREAT GAME. GREAT START. GO DYNAMO!!!

Darn it, KAM. I should have come over to say HERRO to you, sir. I was in 239. We will do another Roll Call on Tuesday night. I will be to the right of the Texian Army again.

Originally Posted by leroy Great way to open the new stadium last night....though it could have been better. The finishing was pathetic. Too many chances in the box that should have been buried. Ching, Taylor and Bruin all missed on what should have been goals. Davis' goal was a thing of beauty and probably 2nd of what could be considered the most fitting ways to open (the first being Ching putting 4 away like he did in the Dynamo's first ever home game). They played very well. It was clear the energy they got from finally playing at home. Hopefully it will lift them to many more wins.

Good point on Ching and Bruin. I'm sorry to say this and I thought I never would, but... just don't play Ching so much. He's missing too many. I know he's coming back from being rested, and I know we have many games to go, but... he doesn't seem like an impact player anymore, and he plays better with his back to the goal a'la Altidore... it seems that straight up first-touch passes are not his specialty. I don't believe he should play more than he did on Saturday. Heck, even Mrs. SwoLy, who knows probably less than 10% of what I know about Fútbol, said: "who is that... missing all those shots... take him out and put Ashe in..."

Taylor was a good stopper in the mids. Heinhault is a BEAST who kept getting clean tackles for balls going the other way.

I miss Cory Ashe starting. Seems like the new forward that came in for Ching needs a bit more expe.

When are you coming to a game, leroy420?

[Remix]

Will the game against Portland be televised on any local channels? Been looking and can't find anything.

[dumbartonbass]

Originally Posted by Remix Will the game against Portland be televised on any local channels? Been looking and can't find anything.

Unfortunately, it looks like the game is on Fox Sports Southwest Plus. I'm sure some bars near BBVA will be airing the game, though.

[leroy]

Originally Posted by SwoLy-D GREAT GAME. GREAT START. GO DYNAMO!!! Darn it, KAM. I should have come over to say HERRO to you, sir. I was in 239. We will do another Roll Call on Tuesday night. I will be to the right of the Texian Army again. Good point on Ching and Bruin. I'm sorry to say this and I thought I never would, but... just don't play Ching so much. He's missing too many. I know he's coming back from being rested, and I know we have many games to go, but... he doesn't seem like an impact player anymore, and he plays better with his back to the goal a'la Altidore... it seems that straight up first-touch passes are not his specialty. I don't believe he should play more than he did on Saturday. Heck, even Mrs. SwoLy, who knows probably less than 10% of what I know about Fútbol, said: "who is that... missing all those shots... take him out and put Ashe in..." Taylor was a good stopper in the mids. Heinhault is a BEAST who kept getting clean tackles for balls going the other way. I miss Cory Ashe starting. Seems like the new forward that came in for Ching needs a bit more expe. When are you coming to a game, leroy?

Right now, I have plans to be at the June 30 game against Philly. A very busy summer with work and family plans has me only coming to Houston 1 time so far.

Ching has never been a face-the-goal player. He's never had the skill to take defenders on. The reason he'd been successful with the national team was they had him playing the Brian McBride roll...back to goal and distribute, win headers on free kicks. That's what he is. Problem is (and has been since Holden left), there is no one holding the ball through the midfield. Ching has, for some strange reason, been the one running at the defense. Bruin is what Ching was...big, strong, good in the air, and can finish in the box. There's no sense having 2 of them on the field if neither of them are going to play with their back to the goal.

If the front office is searching for a DP, it needs to be a center midfielder in the mold of Holden and DeRo. Someone that can take defenders on, run at the goal, and is a threat from distance. I feel like a record skipping as I've repeated this many times over the past couple of years.

[FrancisFan3]

Originally Posted by Remix Will the game against Portland be televised on any local channels? Been looking and can't find anything.

It's on FS Houston Plus tonight: DirecTV 680 / HD 680-1, Dish Network 443 / HD 9581, AT&T U-Verse SD 692 / HD 1692, Comcast 110. Kickoff is at 7:30 and there should be some links to an online stream like www.firstrowsports.eu

[ferrari77]

Originally Posted by leroy Right now, I have plans to be at the June 30 game against Philly. A very busy summer with work and family plans has me only coming to Houston 1 time so far. Ching has never been a face-the-goal player. He's never had the skill to take defenders on. The reason he'd been successful with the national team was they had him playing the Brian McBride roll...back to goal and distribute, win headers on free kicks. That's what he is. Problem is (and has been since Holden left), there is no one holding the ball through the midfield. Ching has, for some strange reason, been the one running at the defense. Bruin is what Ching was...big, strong, good in the air, and can finish in the box. There's no sense having 2 of them on the field if neither of them are going to play with their back to the goal. If the front office is searching for a DP, it needs to be a center midfielder in the mold of Holden and DeRo. Someone that can take defenders on, run at the goal, and is a threat from distance. I feel like a record skipping as I've repeated this many times over the past couple of years.

Well said.

[ferrari77]

Originally Posted by FrancisFan3 Is there a chance Stuart Holden returns to the Houston Dynamo since the Bolton Wanderers just got relegated from the Premier League.

Not a chance in the next couple of seasons.
He'll battle it out in the Champship next season and try to reward his mgr and the Bolton Chairman for showing faith in him and help them get back up.
Failing that, as long as he has a good season, he'll have offers from other teams.

Without a doubt the Dynamo are first on his list upon his feeling that he's done what he can in Europe and is ready to return to MLS.


Rico would be a great signing if he decided to return. Especially with Cameron permanently at CB.

[ferrari77]

Originally Posted by Kam We're getting that little Mexican boy Messi.

I prefer his Mexican teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

[rox1]

Originally Posted by ferrari77 I prefer his Mexican teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Might as well bring other Mexicans.. hmm how about Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, David Villa?

[Kam]

Originally Posted by ferrari77 I prefer his Mexican teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

I'd also like their teammate Van Persie or Benzema. Ole ole.

[jdh008]

Originally Posted by leroy IMO, no chance at all. He's proven, when healthy, that he belongs in the EPL.

I also think Bolton will do everything to keep him (and Tim Ream). They aren't used to being relegated. IIRC, they haven't been relegated since 2001-2002. I think team management is going to take any steps necessary to get back into the Premier League and that likely means keeping this group together and adding to it if necessary.

[Remix]

Originally Posted by FrancisFan3 It's on FS Houston Plus tonight: DirecTV 680 / HD 680-1, Dish Network 443 / HD 9581, AT&T U-Verse SD 692 / HD 1692, Comcast 110. Kickoff is at 7:30 and there should be some links to an online stream like www.firstrowsports.eu

Sweet, thanks. I have Comcast and totally forgot about channel 110.

[ferrari77]

Originally Posted by jdh008 I also think Bolton will do everything to keep him (and Tim Ream). They aren't used to being relegated. IIRC, they haven't been relegated since 2001-2002. I think team management is going to take any steps necessary to get back into the Premier League and that likely means keeping this group together and adding to it if necessary.

The problem with that is keeping the group together is usually at odds with the drop in revenue when relegated and it works if the club has been fiscally responsible while in the Prem. If the club has been kinda sorta living beyond their means then a sale might be necessary. I think Bolton since Allardyce left have become slightly more responsible financially but some big names might still have to (and probably want to) leave. Not Ream or Holden though.

Getting back won't be easy though. West Ham and Blackpool have a battle on their hands and Birmingham seemed to be on the path back until their defending let them down in the playoffs.

Either way, for sure we can count on Bolton holding onto Ream and Stu next season.