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Houston Dynamo win 3-2 thriller in the desert over Colorado

By Louis Roesch

Panama's midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla (C) kicks the ball as Mexico's midfielder Andres Guardado (L) eyes the ball during the FIFA World Cup Concacaf qualifier football match between Mexico and Panama at Azteca stadium in Mexico City, on February 2, 2022. (Photo by RODRIGO ARANGUA / AFP) (Photo by RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP via Getty Images)
Panama's midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla (C) kicks the ball as Mexico's midfielder Andres Guardado (L) eyes the ball during the FIFA World Cup Concacaf qualifier football match between Mexico and Panama at Azteca stadium in Mexico City, on February 2, 2022. (Photo by RODRIGO ARANGUA / AFP) (Photo by RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP via Getty Images) /
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The Houston Dynamo won their second match of the Desert Showcase in thrilling, heart stopping fashion over the Colorado Rapids. The 3-2 win brought smiles to the faces of coaches, players and fans alike who had become used to watching this team self destruct. Saturday’s win allowed fans to see who this Dynamo team might become and taught everyone three things about this Houston Dynamo team going forward.

Nagamura is prophetic

The Houston Dynamo coach Paulo Nagamura on Friday told the media in two words how is team was doing and the expectation going forward. His words…….”Progressing well.” Those two words definitively described Saturday’s performance in the desert. From having to chase the game after going down a goal in the 7th minute to taking the lead with five minutes left in regulation to surrendering the equalizer to finding the winner with mere seconds left in stoppage. I’d say that’s progressing well

Carrasquilla is a gamechanger

The 22 year old Panamanian was one of the many players brough to Houston projected to have great potential but never getting much opportunity. On Saturday barely 12 hours after arriving from international duty, the midfielder proved just how dynamic he is at the most important moments. “Coco” intercepted an errant pass at midfield and then raced through the Colorado defense cut to his right and buried the final shot of the game inside the far post. It was a goal reminiscent of guys like Ricardo Clark, Giles Barns and even current Dynamo midfielder Memo Rodriguez.

Dynamo Academy players will be difference makers

One thing about the Desert Showcase is that teams are able to mix not only rookies and veterans but players from their Academy level teams. This provides some of the youngest players with the confidence with an opportunity to show the belong or will shortly belong in the big show. For Houston’s Andre Gitau that opportunity may be sooner rather than later. On Saturday with five minutes left in regulation received a pass, moved to his right creating space and then unleashed a low laser that rippled the back of the net. His speed, athleticism and skill set is just one example of the players waiting in the wings for their moment to shine.

Final whistle

It’s only two weeks and a couple of preseason games but already the Houston Dynamo are showing more life under Nagamura’s tutelage then they have in the last five seasons. Things are progressing well.

Houston’s game 3 Desert Showcase match takes place on Tuesday February 8, 2022 against USL side  El Paso at 2pm CT.