Houston Dynamo player ratings at Chicago Fire
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
While the Dynamo have had their recent struggles in MLS, they certainly have not in the Lamar Hunt Open Cup. Houston beat the Chicago Fire 4-1 on the road to advance to the semifinals. Let’s take a look at how everyone performed.
Starters
Andrew Tarbell-6
Andrew has done a good job stepping in for Steve Clark in this tournament so far. He did not have to pull off any wild saves to win this game but, he did what was needed. There was a situation where he should have given a penalty away that was not called.
Franco Escobar-7
Franco had a really solid game, contributing loads on both sides of the ball. Defending Brian Gutierrez is not always an easy task and Escobar passed phenomenally.
Erik Sviatchenko-7
Erik continues to be an anchor in the back for most of the game. He was able to play out of the back at a high level and even looked dangerous in the box.
Micael-7
Finally, back in his natural position, Micael looked like the player we have seen he can be. He was unbeatable in both the air and on the ground, completing 100% of his duels.
Chase Gasper-4
The second straight start in a row where Gasper just looks a bit below the level of the rest of the defense. Chicago continuously challenged him in the air all game. It looks like teams are identifying him as a clear weakness in the backline.
Luis Caicedo-7
Caicedo is becoming one of the most solid passers in the team, constantly doing the simple things right. He contributed well to a solid midfield shape that was able to be explosive on the counter. He is a solid backup that can be trusted whenever Artur needs a rest.
Hector Herrera-7
A standard Hector Herrera performance once again where everything runs through him, and that usually means loads of quality in the midfield. Not his most standout game, but he contributed at a high enough level to elevate his teammates.
Amine Bassi-9
Bassi has truly come alive in recent weeks since becoming a more central player. He was everywhere, playing Aliyu and Quinones into space to great effect. He was involved in creating all four of the goals. He put his penalty away with ease to open the scoring.
Coco Carrasquilla-8
Much better from Coco! That pass leading to Aliyu’s first goal was a thing of beauty. That is the type of performance the Dynamo need from Coco every week now.
Nelson Quinones-9
For whatever reason, Nelson Quinones becomes an incredible attacking threat whenever he plays in this competition. He used his pace to incredible effect to stretch the Chicago backline and create all sorts of openings. He won the penalty, created Aliyu’s second goal, and got on the scoresheet for the first time this year.
Aliyu Ibrahim-9
Aliyu continues to shine as the team’s new starting striker. His intelligent runs in behind have completely changed the complexion of this offense. His finishing was much improved this time out as he was very patient before tucking in a great strike at the near post for his first goal.
Substitutes
Ethan Barltow-7
Ethan came on with 30 minutes to go to see out the game. He did just that, playing very solid defense like we have come to expect with Ethan.
Corey Baird-3
After his last Open Cup performance, this one was a bit of a dud. He lacked quality in the final third multiple times and just had an all-around poor night.
Arutr-7
Like Bartlow, he was brought in to see out the game and like Bartlow, he did just that. Nothing flashy but he got the job done.
Thor Ulfarsson-4
Nothing special from Thor again in his limited minutes. It would be great to see him get more time to shine, but it would be hard to drop Aliyu on his current run of form.
Ivan Franco-N/A
Franco only played the last handful of minutes. No time to make any impact on the game.
Head Coach
Ben Olsen-9
Ben finally got his first road win against an MLS team with Houston! He setup the team to be explosive on the counter and that really stretched Chicago’s five-man backline. His ability to stay competitive in these Open Cup matches while rotating the squad has been very impressive.
