Houston Dynamo attackers - 2023 report card
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
With the Dynamo season now over we’ll be reviewing the season by looking at how each player performed in 2023. Today, we will focus on the attacking group that left a lot to be desired this year.
Ivan Franco: C-
2023 in review
Ivan Franco was brought to the Dynamo to reunite him with follow Paraguayan Sebastian Ferreria on a year-long loan from Libertad. It was apparent early on that one of them was the odd one out. Franco took over Ferreria’s team sheet duties for the 2023 season. Ivan struggled when given the starting role as one of the three attacking midfield positions in Ben Olsen’s formation. While Franco was poor in several games, he also came in late in a few matches to score or assist from the bench, rescuing important points for the club.
Looking ahead
Franco had some clutch moments for the Dynamo in 2023. However, it wasn’t nearly enough to justify paying his heavy price tag to keep him in Houston for years to come. Franco will return to Paraguay following the conclusion of his loan for the 2023 season.
Corey Baird: B
2023 in review
Corey Baird was in his last year under contract with the Houston Dynamo in 2023. Baird was by far the forward that best fit Olsen’s tactics. Corey can press for days and take advantage of the small number of opportunities being created. He played in 34 regular season games, scoring 8 goals and adding 6 assists. Baird scored a hat trick against Minnesota during the US Open Cup competition as well. He played in 48 games for the Dynamo across all competitions, leading the roster in that category.
Looking ahead
Baird’s contract ended with the Dynamo once the season ended. While Corey had a career year in 2023, it might not have been enough for the technical staff to bring him back. At this point, he would likely ask to be one of the highest paid players on the squad and might hurt the team that is trying to get better with a tight salary cap.
Aliyu Ibrahim: C+
2023 in review
Aliyu Ibrahim joined the Dynamo as part of Major League Soccer’s U-22 initiative. The Nigerian striker fits the scheme of what a striker in Ben Olsen’s scheme should look like. The 21-year-old has all the characteristics that you need to excel in the league, not just as a striker, but as a wide attacking midfielder. Aliyu appeared in 37 games for the Dynamo in all competitions scoring 6 goals and assisting on 3 others in 2023. The only thing Aliyu needed was to finish in front of the goal. Seeing him miss the target inches from the goal, was so frustrating. If he can work on his calmness in front of goal, the Nigerian can become a 15-goal striker. The potential is there.
Looking ahead
Aliyu is under contract with the Dynamo through 2025 with club options in 2026 and 2027. Again, he has the potential to be a very good striker in MLS. Hopefully, having a full offseason with the team can boost his confidence in front of goal for 2024. But, look for the front office to bring in a player to keep him uncomfortable as the main man up top.
Nelson Quinones: B+
2023 in review
Nelson Quinones’ struggles from the previous season continued to 2023. It really wasn’t until he had a month or two left until his loan from Once Caldas was set to expire that Nelson turned up the heat. Nelson looks like a veteran soccer player at times and it is easy to forget that he just turned 21-years-old. Quinones took over the starting left-wing role and held it for the remainder of the year. Nelson appeared in 42 games across all competitions for the Bayou City team, scoring 5 goals and assisting 5 more. Like Aliyu, Nelson needs to work on being more decisive when creating attacking opportunities.
Looking ahead
Nelson will be under contract with the club through the 2025 season with an option for 2026, after his loan was made permanent in the summer. He has the potential to be an important player for the Dynamo with such a bright future. However, the attack wasn’t the best for the Dynamo, therefore Nelson will need new and tougher competition on the roster to push him forward in his growth.
Ifunanyachi Achara: N/A
2023 in review
Ifunanyachi Achara arrived at the Houston Dynamo in hopes of winning a role in the much-needed offensive department. Unfortunately for him, Achara reaggravated a knee injury, which limited his time to be spent purely on the training ground. It would be unfair to grade Ifunanyachi since he didn’t see any action in 2023.
Looking ahead
Achara was picked up last December during Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. He signed for the 2023 season with an option for 2024. However, due to not being able to show himself because of the injury, his contract option was declined.
Thor Ulfarsson: C+
2023 in review
Thor Ulfarsson was always going to be behind Sebastian Ferreira entering the 2023 season. When Ferreira left on loan many expected to see more of the man from Iceland but that wasn’t the case. Thor played a very limited role, one of coming off the bench late in the game to find or keep a lead. He only started in one regular season match but appeared sporadically in 18 total games, scoring 3 goals and assisting another. All things considered, those numbers aren’t awful, when he only had 466 minutes to post them.
Looking ahead
Ulfarsson’s option was picked up for the 2024 season. With no one yet to claim the striker position, Thor has a legitimate chance to make a grab at it. I think for Thor to be able to do so, he needs to take on that villain role, of not caring for anyone’s feelings. I think it will suit his game, you know, that Zlatan-type inspiration. The way that he attacks the ball with no regard for mankind, that’s what this team need. A clinical finisher. The potential is there.
