Houston Dynamo player ratings vs Portland Timbers
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
It’s been a while, but we are back with player ratings after the Dynamo dismantled Portland 5-0 at Shell Energy Stadium. Let’s take a look at how everyone performed.
Starters
Steve Clark-9
Steve really didn’t have anything to do in this game and still managed to get an assist with an incredible long ball to Brad Smith. Assist and a clean sheet, can’t complain.
Franco Escobar-9
Franco played a near perfect game on both sides of the ball. He was a monster defensively and completed 98% of his passes. A fair criticism of him lately is that he is afraid to take a shot in the box. He did not hesitate this time and scored his second goal of the season with a smart finish.
Micael and Erik Sviatchenko-8
Neither center backs were real standouts in this game as the midfield and attack controlled the game for the entire 90 minutes. When they were called into action they did their job, not allowing a single shot on target in the entire game.
Griffin Dorsey-9
Dorsey continued what he was doing in Leagues Cup, controlling the right side of the field offensively and defensively. He managed to win a penalty just two minutes into the game to set the tone for the entire match. Glad Ben has finally realized the impact Dorsey can have on this team.
Artur-9
Artur was nearly perfect all game, controlling the midfield with his simple passing game. He was not asked to do a lot defensively but did what he needed to do. He played a great, quick pass to Dorsey in the buildup to the penalty.
Hector Herrera-9
Herrera might not have looked as standout as usual from first glance, but the little things he did in this game played a massive role in dominating Portland’s midfield. His quick passes out wide set up multiple attacking opportunities. His line breaking pass to Coco to assist Corey’s goal will go under the radar but was a quick stroke of genius.
Coco Carrasquilla-10
One of Coco’s best performances in a Dynamo shirt. Played an incredible pass to slip in Corey Baird early in the game that was saved. He then sent in the cross to Herrera that created Nelson’s goal. His pass to Corey to assist goal number three was one of the best passes we have ever seen all season. Just an all-around brilliant performance.
Amine Bassi-8
Another game, another Bassi penalty goal. This time the penalty was a part of an all around solid performance. He was creative and kept the ball flowing in the offense all game. His work rate was excellent throughout.
Nelson Quinones-8
Nelson continues to improve and has scored another goal with a great finish. He was a bit wasteful at times but was constantly running into the box creating havoc. More to build off for a player who continues to make strides in MLS.
Corey Baird-9
Baird was excellent, leading the line once again and chipping in with another goal and an assist. Nine goals and five assists now on the season for Baird in what might be his best season yet. His work rate once again was incredible and a big reason for the consistent pressure all game.
Substitutes
Brad Smith-8
It was incredible to see Brad Smith get more minutes and score his first goal for the first team. Such a smart finish on his weak foot. Who knew he had that in him?
Luis Caicedo-6
Caicedo came in to give Herrera some rest ahead of the Open Cup semifinal. He did his job, nothing more and nothing less.
Ethan Bartlow-6
Bartlow came in for an injury to Micael. Like Caicedo, he did his job well but didn’t stand out.
Sebastian Kowalczyk and Daniel Steres-6
Both came in when there was not much to play for as the score was 5-0. It was awesome to see Kowalczyk get on the field for his debut, and he looked fine. Not too much to gain out of their performances.
Head Coach
Ben Olsen-9
Olsen set up the team to attack straight from kickoff and this worked to put down a Portland team that was already lacking confidence. Once the early goal was scored, he did not allow the team to slow down and took advantage of Portland’s slow midfield and defense.
