So here is the X factor in the historic run for the DYNAMO to try a win an unprecedented third MLS Cup.
It’s called the CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP and it has it’s own level of importance beyond reminding us that MLS needs to expand the salary cap and improve the overall quality of rosters in MLS in order to compete in international competition.
Not just ENTER but to truly COMPETE….I have no doubt that MLS clubs would win these tournaments with some additional cap space and the ability to strengthen the depth of rosters.
Ok so now here is the Dynamo Concacaf Champions Cup schedule with home games in capital letters:

9/17 HOME Luis Angel Firpo, EL Salvador 9pm
9/23/ away San Francisco FC , Panama
9/30 away at UNAM Pumas
10/7 HOME vs. San Francisco FC Panama 9pm
10/22 HOME vs. PUMAS (MEX) 9pm
10/28 away Luis Angel Firpo, El Salvador

houstondynamo.com or 713-276-7500

His job is to win. That is exactly what U.S. National team manager Bob Bradley has done in two World Cup qualifiers. Not artistic, not pleasing to the eye but wins no less.
Six points in two games…..hey the French would love to be in the position of the U.S. So Guatemala and Cuba are by the wayside and now the U.S. get their first home game of the semi-final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying tomorrow night in Bridgeview (7pm CST on ESPN2).
So what do the SOCA Warriors bring? Probably alot of the same, athletic ability in some areas and an opportunity to shine in the states.
For the U.S. and it’s fans it is time to see some better football. Field conditions are not a problem at Toyota Park so my expectation is to see this team hit a FOOTBALL OVERDRIVE and present some special soccer tomorrow night. Better possession, penetration and more attack minded soccer. I am looking forward to seeing a change of attitude at home.

Now on to the veterans. There are a number of players that are helping during the qualifying phase that you would have to think could be short term solutions based on their age. FRANKIE HEJDUK, EDDIE LEWIS, PABLO MAESTROENI are ones that quickly come to mind that you know are helpful through experience in the short term but in the long term in 2010 assuming the U.S. qualify will they still be capable internationally?

Your thoughts?

On the EPL front MICHAEL ESSIEN is done for the year after tearing his ACL playing for GHANA in qualifying…..big blow for the blues.

SEBASTIAN GIOVINCO of JUVENTUS who starred with Italy in the Olympics is apparently being targeted by ARSENAL……Which begs the simple question…could the diminutive midfielder handle the pressure and physical nature of the ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE?