Houston Dynamo player ratings vs Vancouver Whitecaps

(image via Billy Mears)

The Houston Dynamo have all but secured a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2017 with a 4-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. Let’s take a look at how everyone performed.

Starters

Steve Clark-8

Another solid performance in goal for Steve Clark. This time he made four saves while only allowing one goal. Unfortunately, Clark could not secure another shut out to continue challenging for the league lead.

Micael-8

Micael played the wide center back/left back role for the first time in a while. He did a much better job than usual, allowing almost nothing past him on the left side. His passing was simple but accurate and the goal was in no way on him.

Teenage Hadebe-8

Teenage made his first start since May after he had a horrible leg injury. He looked like he’s been playing this whole time and didn’t miss a beat. His passing was brilliant, and he led the entire team in carries. It is so great to see him back before the Open Cup final next week.

Erik Sviatchenko-7

Erik had another monster game at the back playing excellent defense on both Ryan Gauld and Brian White. His own goal takes him down a bit because he should’ve done more there to preserve the shutout.

Griffin Dorsey-9

Griffin was one of the most active players on the team going forward, creating havoc and spreading Vancouver’s defense. He was able to cut inside and score a brilliant goal that put the Dynamo in position to run away with the game.

Artur and Luis Caicedo-8

I’ll group these two together because they essentially did the same job, keeping the game simple and composed in buildup while winning the ball back with ease. Both players are exactly what you need in a strong MLS team when it comes to dominating midfields.

Hector Herrera-10

A 10 for Herrera as he was able to open the scoring for the team with a free kick that took a lucky deflection. He followed that up with an amazing pass to open Artur in the box for a shot that was saved. He was able to win the aerial duel that set Brad Smith down the left side to assist Franco’s goal. Then he had more great midfield play to set free Smith again to create Aliyu’s goal. He was just involved with everything good about this team on the night.

Sebastian Kowalzcyk-7

Sebastian continues to grow into his new role with the Dynamo and is providing nice cover for Coco Carrasquilla. His work rate is outstanding, and his playmaking ability is beginning to be unleashed. He was able to start the buildup to the second goal of the game with a great pass to Corey Baird.

Nelson Quinones-6

Nothing crazy impressive from Nelson on the night as he was not able to get a lot going in the box. His willingness to run at players is always great and set up the free kick that Herrera converted to open the scoring.

Corey Baird-7

It is weird to watch a Dynamo game where Corey doesn’t score now. He was solid once again off the ball and was able to play a role in the buildup to Dorsey’s goal. Other than that, he was his usually hard-working self. 

Substitutes

Brad Smith-9

Brad Smith came in for Nelson Quinones to add more width to the game on the counterattack. Every time Herrera set him free down the left side, a dangerous moment came of it. His assist to Ivan Franco was perfect and so was his attempt to set up Herrera leading to Aliyu’s goal.

Ivan Franco-7

Ivan was a bit of a mess outside of the moment he scored the third goal of the match. The goal was taken well, but his overall play was lacking. He was too slow to intercept the cross that lead to the Vancouver goal. He did score, so it’s hard to be too harsh on his rating.

Aliyu Ibrahim-7

A fine display off the bench, where he did not see a whole lot of the ball. He took his goal well and that’s really all there is to discuss in his short cameo appearance.

Brooklyn Raines-N/A

Great to see him get some minutes with the first team again. Unfortunately, it was not a whole lot of minutes and was not enough time to properly make an impact on the game.

Head Coach

Ben Olsen-10

How could he have set the team up any better? He was without Coco Carrasquilla, Franco Escobar, and Amine Bassi and still managed to get a massive win over one of the hottest teams in MLS. His coaching continues to be superb and he clearly has the team playing their hearts out every week. Fans have to be excited to see what more he will bring to this team going forward.