Houston Dynamo Win: 3 Things We Learned & Player Ratings

Houston Dynamo forward Will Bruin (12) Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Goals Will Come

Perhaps the single biggest concern for the Dynamo coming into the season was the ability to score goals. They resoundingly answered their critics against New England. The Dynamo will not score 4 goals every time out, however they demonstrated enough fire power to alleviate any concerns.

Giles Barnes showed off his improved fitness, looking much faster than he was last season and putting the New England back line under constant pressure. His pace pulled defenders away from Bruin, something that did not happen as often last season, and generated opportunities. His abilities on the ball were also on display as he beat defenders off the dribble several times.

Bruin converted both of his 1st half opportunities. He perhaps should have done much better with a one-on-one against New England keeper Bobby Shuttleworth in the 2nd half, but with two goals he can be forgiven for his miss. Like any good poacher, Bruin got himself in the right place and the right time often in the match with quality runs and effort. He also looked much physically strong on the ball in one-on-one encounters with defenders.

Omar Cummings showed off what his pace can do to tired defenders as a substitute in the 2nd half. His speed generated several scoring opportunities. He scored one goal, although it was likely the most bizarre goal of his career as a Ricardo Clark shot ricocheted off his face. Still, it was a deserved goal based off his effort as a sub.

Between the performance of the three forwards, there was enough reason to think that at least one will be in goal scoring form at any given point in time.