Houston Dynamo vs Austin FC player ratings
(image via Ricky Vega)
The Houston Dynamo grabbed all three points at home against Austin FC in a 2-0 win. Let’s take a look at how everyone performed.
Starters
Jonathan Bond-7.5
This was a solid second game in goal for Bond, earning his first shutout with Houston. He made only two saves, but one of them was an excellent save that gave the Dynamo some momentum.
Griffin Dorsey-8.5 (7.15 avg)
Dorsey has been in excellent form since McGlynn moved to the right side of midfield. Griffin has looked incredibly sharp getting forward and showing the ability to go wide and drift inside. He had an excellent assist on the second goal of the game for Ponce.
Erik Sviatchenko-7 (7 avg)
Another solid start for Erik who played some good soccer until being subbed out 65 minutes in. Nothing standout, but a good game overall.
Obafemi Awodesu-7.5 (6.3 avg)
Femi responded to last weeks nightmare with a shutout and overall good performance against Austin. There was some lapses in the first half, but nothing got past him in the second half while the Dynamo controlled the rest of the game.
Franco Escobar-8.5 (7.89 avg)
More spectacular play from Escobar with another monster performance at the back. He made a team high five tackles and was excellent passing the ball in transition. He was close to getting an assist late in the game as he was fishing for yet another man of the match award from us.
Artur-8 (7.05 avg)
Artur was excellent and in full control of the midfield for a majority of this game. He didn’t put a foot wrong in the second half and was monumental to the teams success.
Brooklyn Raines-8 (7 avg)
Brooklyn had what might have been his best game for the Dynamo, being in full control of the midfield alongside Artur. He got forward very well, creating some chances and looking to get into the box as well. It was great to see him looking like he belongs in the Dynamo starting XI.
Amine Bassi-9 MOTM (6.85 avg)
Bassi continued this hot streak with a man of the match performance where he was all over the field creating trouble for Austin’s backline. He had five shot creating actions and played a huge role in both goals. The pressing on the first goal leading to Lingr’s shot was exactly what this team is all about. He also set Dorsey free to setup Ponce for goal number two.
Ondrej Lingr-8
Two games and now two goals for the new DP attacker. He was not as involved on the ball as we would like, but he was so dynamic off the ball, popping up in so many different attacking areas. His combination play with Bassi and Escobar looks incredibly promising. He took his goal well again, finishing off a tough chance.
Jack McGlynn-8.5 (7.39 avg)
Jack continues to look incredible on the right side of midfield, combining with Dorsey creating overloads. His passing was incredible and his ability to cut inside has been a huge asset to the buildup of the Dynamo’s attacks.
Ezequiel Ponce-7.5 (6.25 avg)
Another goal for Ponce, finishing off as good of a chance as a striker would want. He played his part in the match, being physical and challenging the Austin center backs. He took his goal well and played some good off ball defense.
Substitutes
Ethan Bartlow-7 (5.5 avg)
A much better display for Ethan off the bench where he didn’t hand a goal to the opposition. He did his job very well after coming on for Erik with less than 30 minutes to go. It was a very good game from a player who has been hit or miss this year.
Sebastian Kowalczyk-5.5 (6.4 avg)
Sebastian came in with 25 minutes to go and did his job controlling the midfield and seeing out the game. Nothing spectacular from Kowalczyk, just a nothing game from him.
Nico Lodeiro, Daniel Steres, and Junior Urso-N/A
None of these players played enough minutes to warrant a rating. All three did fine to see out the game.
Head Coach
Ben Olsen-8.5 (7.25 avg)
Ben did a great job getting the lineup just right. Involving Lingr from the start, despite Kowalczyk’s good run of form, was an excellent call. He continues to get this team fighting in every game they play. The adjustments he made in the second half were pivotal to winning the match. He also was willing to make some earlier substitutions, given the better options on the bench now.