31601149670010719714622">The Houston Dynamo lost their sixth road game of the season and dropped to a 0-6-1 road record on Sunday night in Seattle. Despite the result, the Dynamo remain second in the Western Conference.
31601149670010719714625">Here are three things we learned from the 1-0 loss at CenturyLink Field:
31601149670010719714628">1. The Dynamo attack still lacks that killer instinct on the road
31601149670010719714631">There were signs of improvement and positives to take from this attacking display. The team looked dangerous but what was missing was the lethal finishing.
31601149670010719714634">The lack of finishing has been the story in the seven road games for the Dynamo. With only three goals on the road this year (only one from the run of play), the attack has left much to be desired away from home.
31601149670010719714637">Erick Torres had an opportunity in the first half and Alberth Elis had a great chance to equalize in the second half that he rushed instead of being more clinical – exactly the types of finishes that have looked so easy at BBVA Compass Stadium. Those were the the two most clear chances out of the eight total generated on the day.
31601149670010719714640">The opportunities have been there and have been generated – it’s not as if they were played out of the park in Seattle. When push comes to shove, however, the Dynamo haven’t fared well on the road and their attacking output has been a big part of that.
31601149670010719714643">2. Alex and Adolfo Machado have been the biggest constants on this team
31601149670010719714646">In the Dynamo’s 15 different starting lineups this year, only midfielder Alex and defender Adolfo Machado have featured in every match. Alex is tied for second among the league’s assists leaders and Adolfo Machado leads the league in clearances.
31601149670010719714649">Coincidentally, they were two of the best performers on Sunday night.
31601149670010719714652">Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera continues to stress after matches that this is a team that is still learning to play with each other, having played together for only three months. As more players become constants in the lineup like these two, the team will benefit and have a more imposing collective game.
31601149670010719714655">3. Seattle and the turf monster continue to haunt the Dynamo
31601149670010719714658">The Dynamo historically have not had success when playing on artificial surface, dropping to an all-time record of 3-20-12 on Sunday night. They also have never won in Seattle (now 0-6-2) and have been shutout in the past five encounters at CenturyLink Field.
31601149670010719714661">It’s not a glaring concern, but something to keep an eye on given that over a fifth of the stadiums in MLS are non-grass. The change in surface influenced the Dynamo’s possession, chances created and passing attempts.
31601149670010719714664">The Dynamo’s next crack at winning on turf will be next month at Minnesota. For now, they have over a week’s rest before returning to action on June 14 in the U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round.
