Houston Dynamo player ratings vs LA Galaxy

(image via Houston Dynamo FC)

The Houston Dynamo just keep on winning at home, this time a 3-0 win over the LA Galaxy. A 3-0 win means high ratings for the team. Let’s see how everyone performed.

Starters

Steve Clark-7

This is becoming normal for Steve Clark these days at home. Steve was not asked to make too many saves, but when he was called upon, he did what he had to do. Steve provided a calming presence in net once again.

Daniel Steres-7

Steres was once again asked to play as a right back and again he put on another solid display. His opposition winger in the first half, Tyler Boyd, produced nothing and was subbed off at half time. Steres did not provide much going forward, but it is slowly improving.

Ethan Bartlow-8

Ethan Barltow is really turning into a rock in the Dynamo defense. Saturday was another solid performance, making a team high four blocks. Bartlow grew into the game and looked unbeatable in the second half.

Teenage Hadebe-8

This was a very vintage Teenage performance. Teenage provided great distribution out of the back while being able to provide cover for Escobar when he pushed forward. Teenage made four interceptions and had two shot-creating actions, which is incredible for a center back.

Franco Escobar-9

Franco Escobar was asked to play on the left instead of his more comfortable right back spot. Even while playing out of position, Escobar looked like one of the best players on the field. He was able to bomb forward and be a great outlet for the midfielders to look to in wide positions. Defensively he made four tackles including an incredible tackle on Memo Rodriguez that was nearly called a penalty somehow.

Artur-8

The Dynamo’s most consistent player once again had a phenomenal night. For a team like the Galaxy that attacks the middle of the field constantly, they were almost never able to create anything whenever Artur was around. Artur also had four interceptions and completed 91% of his passes.

Hector Herrera-8

Hector Herrera continues to be the leader for this Dynamo team every game. This time he scored his second goal of the season off an incredible free kick. Hector was always moving around, being available to receive the ball and make something happen. Herrera led the team in touches by a mile with 111. The only thing taking his rating down was the silly second yellow card he received at the end of the game. Next week we might see just how important Hector is to this team.

Coco Carrasquilla-8

Coco played his best game this season, so far. Coco was incredibly active in the transition side of the game, making five progressive passes and five progressive carries. No midfielder in MLS runs with the ball in transition through the middle as well as Coco does. Carrasquilla had a great burst of speed to get into the box and win the penalty to double the advantage.

Amine Bassi-9

What a player Amine Bassi is emerging as. Over the last few weeks, we have seen the potential for what he could be, but he just hasn’t put it together yet. This past weekend he did just that. Bassi was everywhere on the field, playing solid defense, linking up the play, and scoring goals. This was his fourth game in a row scoring a penalty which is incredibly impressive. Bassi then also added his fifth goal of the season, this time from a great half volley at the top of the box.

Ivan Franco-4

While Bassi is now turning that potential into end product, Ivan Franco is still not there quite yet. Franco was only able to make 22 touches in the 60 minutes he played. In those 22 touches none of them were very meaningful, as he failed to produce any chances. He did take one shot that was close but did not hit the target in the end.

Corey Baird-8

At this point we know what we are going to get from Corey Baird. Once again Corey ran nonstop, playing a massive part in the pressing department. Unlike recent weeks, Corey started running at defenders and created more problems than he has all season. Baird running at defenders drew the foul the led to the Herrera free kick goal. Baird also had excellent vision to set up Bassi for the third goal.

Subs

Thor Ulfarsson-4

Surprising to some, Thor got the minutes off the bench this week instead of Sebas Ferreira. Thor did not make the most of his opportunity, however. He had one chance to get in behind but was not quick enough to get to the ball. He had another chance when Herrera played him in on a free kick, but he was slow to react. This was Thor’s first appearance in a few weeks so that could explain the lack of sharpness.

Luis Caicedo-6

Caicedo came in with not having much to do as the Galaxy were already down two goals and down a man. Luis was brought in to provide some rest for Artur and see out the game. He did that job well without doing anything outstanding either. It was another usual Caicedo substitute appearance, but having a player like that is great for the squad.

Griffin Dorsey and Brooklyn Raines-N/A

Both Dorsey and Raines were subbed in with seven minutes to go and nothing much to play for. The Galaxy already looked uninterested in playing at that point. Raines did draw a red card for Douglas Costa after a dirty play.

Coach

Ben Olsen-8

At this point in the season Olsen has done an incredible job transforming the defense and midfield. This was a great step in improving the offense as the Dyanmo had a season high for goals scored in a game. The lineup was spot on and ultimately won the game comfortably. Olsen needs to take these great home performances and start translating them on the road soon. The lackluster Red Bulls should be a good opportunity to do just that, even without Herrera.