The Dynamo and Sporting KC ended up in a draw at LiveStrong Sporting Park in front of 18,456 0-0.
Much of the talk pre-game revolved around the 4-3-3 set up of the Dynamo for the third consecutive game.
Truth be told for large portions of the match it was a 4-5-1 which helped the Dynamo solidify the middle of the field from a defensive perspective.
POSSESSION AND PRESSURE
From an attacking standpoint Sporting KC would win this category but in the end the Dynamo did protect Tally Hall quite well.
The Dynamo did not earn a corner on the night while Sporting KC had eight.
SYSTEM TALK
The Dynamo switch of system the last three games to a 4-3-3 starting point was designed by Dominic Kinnear to gain back the collective defending attitude and strengthen the Dynamo midfield that had gotten loose.
The team has not produced to shutouts in a row.
As much as it has helped the defending side of the game it is still a work in progress attacking wise.
Will Bruin has been less effective and Brad Davis being moved into the interior has made him less instrumental from an attacking standpoint.
The two wide men Mac Kandji and Boniek Garcia have yet to get really untracked in this system although Boniek Garcia had his best moments in the first fifteen minutes getting isolated and beating defenders.
His one on one chance was denied by Jimmy Nielson in goal for Sporting.
More and more teams seem to be moving towards this system which does cause problems for opponents.
The two wide players can easily sit deeper in midfield producing a five set with a lone striker with the thought to look to break from that position.
GEOFF CAMERON
His long range passing would have been a welcome addition to this game with Sporting KC committed forward on the attack. The Dynamo failed to find the range of passing to break out at times.
Cameron was out with a hamstring injury and a deal on the table with Stoke City which will likely be determined in the next few days.
Both teams repeatedly over-hit passes on this night.
CHANCES
In the end the Dynamo would have two chances on this night.
One through Boniek Garcia and another through second half sub Brian Ownby.
These would be the two Dynamo shots on goal both saved by Jimmy Neilson.
Jacob Peterson would hit the post in the first half for Sporting.
OVERALL PICTURE
With a volume of games at home the Dynamo are positioned well.
The system, creating more chances, the Geoff Cameron situation and the ability to add another player in the transfer window seem to be the real issues right now.
Boniek Garcia has been a wonderful addition.
DC UNITED UP NEXT
The Dynamo have a long week to recover and then take on DC United on Sunday at BBVA Compass which will be the first of three games in 8 days.
Alot should happen in this coming week with the Geoff Cameron situation likely settled.
ROOKS INVOLVED
Both Brian Ownby and Warren Creavalle added to the Dynamo in the second half with their contributions. Creavalle played in central midfield like he did in college at UCF and broke a number of plays up.
Ownby showed no fear and nearly produced a game winner.
Calen Carr and JeVaughan Watson should be fit for the DC United game.
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If I may make a comment on a slightly different topic… I have really enjoyed your game-calling for the past few seasons, both for Dynamo and other MLS and non-MLS matches. And as a Dynamo fan I always tune in to the away games, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the addition of Eddie Robinson to the broadcasts, as well. I loved watching Eddie as a player, and am glad he’s still part of the Dynamo team. I think because of his knowledge of the players and his closeness to the game he’s really adding an interesting and relevant viewpoint to the commentary. You do a great job, but y’all make a fun tandem team and I hope you’ll keep it up!
As for the game – loved Jermaine Taylor’s performance, that was the bright spot for me! There are definitely positives to take away from this game, but unfortunately no 3 points.
Well a tie on the road is not too bad but KC could not finish. Lets not praise the defense too much.
The Dynamo attack has been MIA. The guys have problems playing two touch because there is little movement off the ball. Little has been said about Watson injury. We really missed him in the middle. If Kinnear is putting defenders in the midfield does that mean the other young midfielders are not playing hard enough? Will Dixon ever see the pitch? Kinnear bent over backwards when Camargo and Moffat struggled this year yet he demands more from the rookies. Will Sturgis see more acton on the backline once Geoff leaves? We need another speed guy in the middle to replace Taylor in the middle.
Much has been said about the 4-3-3 but formation do not win matches players do.That said our outside midfielders have not came close to attacking the backline too much, so why not play three on top or play with two defending mids which we do anyway with Camargo and Moffat I would like to see more of an arrow head look with Davis and Gracia attacking more.
We might not score a goal for the rest of the season!
Tinman,
Taylor for me has excellent pace and has been a shining star of late and is the replacement for Cameron if he leaves.
System change, players killing each others space has limited Bruin and Davis less effective and work in progress.
Club still seeks out another striker that can tip the scale.
Players do win matches and individuals are the best weapon against the tactics of opponents.
See Garcia Boniek in the first 15 minutes, that is what he was brought here to do. Break opponents down.