Welcome to edition No. 18 of my weekly blog. It appears on the new HoustonDynamo.com every Monday (or Tuesday).
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A few weeks ago, I stated that this team will continue to fight to the end. Saturday’s game was a pure example of that. We didn’t get the result we wanted and needed, but the team’s effort cannot be questioned. We outplayed San Jose and won every facet of the match, except the most important – goals. We had our chances but couldn’t convert. They had two chances and made them both count. It’s been that kind of season.
Our struggles are obvious, and our hopes for the playoffs are fading, but the character of this team is strong and intact. From Day 1, the coaching staff and the veterans have created an environment that makes up the character of the organization. Regardless of our results and personnel, this character will remain the core attribute of this team moving forward. This is important on our outlook for the future.
I know a lot of you want to start thinking about next year, and that’s understandable. I’m receiving a lot of questions about what we are going to do in the offseason. Here’s what I can say at this time: We are making our strategic and tactical plans as to how we are going to go about making improvements to the team. We know what our needs are; we will have a lot of cap room to fill those needs, and we are in pursuit of a designated player. I can only speak in general terms right now, but I will elaborate more when the time is right. We believe that the addition of a few good players in the right positions will bring us back to the form we are used to.
I appreciate the fans' ongoing support. The crowd on Sunday was typical in its strong showing and support of the team. This is especially impressive given our struggles and the holiday weekend.
I am off to Colorado this week to meet with the stadium architects and take a tour of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. I spent many hours last week meeting with the four firms that are finalists to become the construction manager on the stadium. We are likely to make a selection on the firm this week. These are further signs of progress on the project.
While on the subject of the new stadium, and coming off of a match that was ridden with football lines, I want to let you know that we do not intend to play soccer games with football lines in the new facility. Texas Southern University will play its home football games there, but we are addressing this situation now so that we can have the proper knowledge, plans, and technology to make sure that our intentions are met.
Sorry for the short holiday version this week.
As always, please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns at ccanetti@houstondynamo.com.
