I wanted to start the week off with a quick blog to cover some current events surrounding the club.
First, I am very proud that we have clinched a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. This was a goal we set out to accomplish, and it is done. Congratulations to Dominic, the coaching staff and the players on a great job.
If the season ended today, we would play at New York in a one-game playoff. However, things can still change as third, fourth and fifth place in the Eastern Conference remain up for grabs, and it will come down to the final weekend. We have the chance to get as high as third place. There’s a real advantage to that as we would avoid the one-game wild card. For us to finish third, we would need the following to happen this weekend:
- Dynamo defeats Colorado
- D.C. United defeats Chicago
- Philadelphia ties or defeats New York
If Chicago wins or draws, then we cannot claim third, but if New York draws or loses and we defeat Colorado, then we will go up to fourth and host New York in the one-game playoff.
So there’s your playoff update. As you can see, there is plenty of motivation on our part to get a result this weekend.
This is not the old MLS you used to know, where making the playoffs was a lot easier than it is today. Consider that we have improved our win total and points total over last year and had to fight to the finish just to gain a berth. I expect it will get tougher each year.
A big reason for our playoff berth is our home record. We became just the fourth team in MLS history to go undefeated at home with a record of 11-0-6. We are undefeated in our last 27 home matches, in all competitions, dating back to June 2011. This is something we are very proud of and I give a tremendous amount of credit to the fans. With an average home attendance of 20,978, you helped carry the team to success at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Thank you for your great support of the Dynamo.
While a lot of talk is on the MLS Playoffs, we cannot forget about the huge match at BBVA Compass tomorrow night. This is massive. We need a draw or a win over Olimpia to advance out of the group and into the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League tournament. This is another goal that we have set out to accomplish, so we’d love to check it off the list as well.
We need you there, and we need your help educating fellow fans on the uniqueness and importance of the Champions League. Come on out, brings some friends and co-workers and enjoy a very compelling night of international soccer. The weather will be great and a 7 p.m. kickoff is great for a school/work night.
Thanks again for your support. Hope to see you tomorrow night and keep your eyes on the this weekend’s results to see the final playoff picture.
For more frequent updates and information, follow me on Twitter @chriscanetti.
