We came to grips with reality this week against the LA Galaxy after falling 1-0 at the Home Depot Center. It is always important to get a good reality check early in the year, so it was not too disappointing to have a poorly officiated scrimmage game turn out with a poor result for us. I have been lucky to win three MLS championships and the biggest drawback is the “champions hangover” that carries into the following season. Sometimes it is hard to motivate so soon after having a great run in November, and other times it is just to easy to think that just because you won it last year the chances are you may not do it again this time around. Either way it only takes one of the eleven starters having these thoughts to throw the whole team off kilter. It is a delicate balance so the quicker we are reminded that this is a new year the better.
We as a team are excited to play Pachuca because they are very good. We are still in out pre-season so I don’t think we can change much, however I do think that we will focus a bit more on our shape and our tactical awareness such getting the ball wide a little more often and closing the ball down a bit faster. As far as handling two great front runners at one time, we will rely on pressure, covering and always a little bit of luck. Every great defender will tell you that reading the game, timing and getting lucky are the three most important skills to possess. Enjoy the game and let me know what you think.

*Editors note: The Dynamo also tied Chivas USA 1-1 on their West Coast pre-season trip.
To hear Dominic Kinnear and Dwayne DeRosario address the Pachuca match go to www.houstonchronicle.com or 790thesportsanimal.com