SuperLiga on the Line for Dynamo
By: Marc | August 13th, 2007Tuesday evening the Orange will face their Champions Cup foes, Mexican powerhouse Pachuca, in the Semifinals of the SuperLiga. What is going to happen?
If you remember earlier this year, the Dynamo beat Pachuca 2-0 at home but lost 5-2 (5-4 aggregate) in Mexico. (If away goals had counted as a tie-breaker like they do in most competitions, the Dynamo would have advanced because Pachuca only tied the game in regulation.) But regardless of the result, it was one of the most exciting games I’ve ever seen — terrific play from both teams, with the game swinging different directions at different times.
Of course things are very different now. Back then it was the Dynamo in pre-season and Pachuca in full form. Now things are reversed. Except that Pachuca’s had a few games in now and Houston’s coming off two poor loses. I don’t believe those loses to inferior MLS competition will cause Houston to lose confidence, but I do wonder if the same run of poor form will continue. If Houston can’t figure out what’s ailing them, they could be in trouble.
However, part of the problem, if you look at the recent games, is a sort of overconfidence. The Dynamo are confident in their defense and against weaker opponents like RSL and Colorado, they did not see that back line tested. That means the team doesn’t have to step up the way they would in a game where they go down a goal early (both recent loses involved giving up soft goals late). This could be the case with Pachuca, and an early goal against could be the motivating factor Houston need to really turn up their play. The Dynamo, like their former incarnation, the SJ Earthquakes, play best as underdogs.
From the fans’ perspective, such a game strategy — and it’s not really a strategy, just the way things happen — is fraught with tension. I don’t relish seeing Houston going down a goal and struggle back, worrying if they’ll be able score, but it is exciting. It is certainly preferable to seeing the team hold on to a comfortable nil-nil draw until late and then give up an odd goal and not have enough time to get back into the game.
Of course I’d much rather see Houston come out attacking and put two or three on the board and have a relaxed night of it, but somehow I doubt that’s in the cards. Whatever happens, you know the Dynamo won’t give up until the final whistle, and after seeing Pachuca this spring, they won’t either. This is going to be a great game and I can’t wait for the fireworks!
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