Houston Dynamo: 5 Key Questions Heading Into Training Camp

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

4. Can the Dynamo withstand the probable World Cup departures of Garcia and Davis?

Brad Davis and Boniek Garcia are firmly entrenched as starters on the wings. However, Garcia will miss time this summer on World Cup duty with Honduras and Davis is pushing hard to be a member of the U.S. contingent for Brazil. The Dynamo clearly suffered during 2013 when Garcia was away on national duty; less so when Davis was away as Andrew Driver was a solid replacement.

For the Dynamo to avoid a mid-season swoon this year, they must be able to field natural replacements for both players. All too often during 2013, the Dynamo were forced to use players out of position when Garcia and/or Davis were away; such as Driver playing on the right or Jason Johnson dropping back to the wing.  A week ago, this looked to be perhaps the biggest issue for the Dynamo to grapple with this season.  The surprise re-signing of Andrew Driver on Friday put the Dynamo on much better footing on the flanks.  When healthy, Driver’s pace and ability to beat defenders one-on-one as well as the quality of his final ball into the box make him a handful for opposing defenders.  Driver was always at his best on the left side of the pitch, however, which still leaves the issue of how to adequately replace Boniek Garcia.

The loan acquisition of Tony Cascio is potentially part of the answer here as Cascio has played on the wings, although primarily on the left side.  Pre-season should provide some idea of how well he can hold down the right side of the midfield.  Brian Ownby, who had a successful loan with Richmond Kickers last season, may well be the answer. Many believe Ownby is poised for a breakout season which would definitely ease the pain of Garcia’s absences.