The Dynamo look to return to the playoffs in 2019, but also hope to find success in the Concacaf Champions League
2018 finish: Ninth in the Western Conference (10-16-8), missed playoffs. Won U.S. Open Cup.
It was a year of regression for the Dynamo after 2017’s fourth-place finish. Injuries hit key contributors and Cabrera’s side was nowhere near as tough to beat at home as it was during his first season as head coach of the club. The silver lining was the silverware the Dynamo added to the trophy case, beating the Philadelphia Union in the final to lift the U.S. Open Cup and secure a place in the Concacaf Champions League.
Center back Adolfo Machado moved to Bolivian club The Strongest after starting 18 matches for the Dynamo in 2018. That was a big dip from his initial season in Houston, and the club declined to pick up his option.
The Dynamo also lost Eric Alexander to FC Cincinnati in the expansion draft, while 2018 draft pick Mac Steeves left for the USL Championship after making few contributions in his rookie season.
No. 2 goalkeeper Chris Seitz was swapped to D.C. United in exchange for a draft pick.
The biggest name that was almost in this category was star winger Alberth Elis. The Honduran remains on the roster after rumors he was headed for Turkey – though Cabrera said the club may still be willing to sell should the right offer arrive.
“Alberth is a very important player because of what he does and what he’s been doing throughout the two seasons. Now, if there are possibilities that are convenient for the club and for Alberth, we’re going to be happy. I’m going to be happy,” he said. “That’s what we want. We want players to have better futures and better possibilities. We’re open to doing that if that’s also convenient for the club, for the ownership group.
“The ownership group made an effort with Alberth when we brought Alberth from Monterrey. It was a financial effort from the club, trying to be sure that we have a very important player. Now, if something is a window or possibility for the club and for the player and it’s beneficial, I don’t have any doubt the club is going to try to do the right things for both.”
Goalkeepers: Tyler Deric, Michael Nelson, Joe Willis
Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley, A.J. DeLaGarza, Chris Duvall, Maynor Figueroa, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Kevin Garcia, Sam Junqua, Adam Lundkvist, Eric McCue, Andrew Samuels, Kiki Struna
Midfielders: Eric Bird, Juan David Cabezas, Darwin Ceren, Brad Dunwell, Boniek Garcia, Marlon Hairston, Tomas Martinez, Tommy McNamara, Memo Rodriguez, Matias Vera
Forwards: Alberth Elis, Mauro Manotas, Ronaldo Pena, Rommell Quioto
The Dynamo’s attacking trio is settled, barring a team coming for Elis in the summer. Mauro Manotas tied for fourth in the league with 19 goals last season, while Elis added 11 goals. The Honduran international also was one of a trio of players with 10 or more assists last season, joined by countryman Romell Quioto and playmaker Tomas Martinez.
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A healthy Juan David Cabezas should help the Dynamo a bit with their defense, though a back line with a left side made up of a 36-year-old and a 35-year-old may not inspire confidence. Alejandro Fuenmayor emerging as a starting option would be a boost for Houston, but in the preseason it’s been Figueroa next to Struna in the center. A.J. DeLaGarza’s return to fitness helps as well.
Joe Willis has started in preseason, but the battle for the No. 1 shirt isn’t won. Tyler Deric will still challenge for the role, and they could trade off into the season.