Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Dynamo are hunting for the MLS Cup this season. After losing in the Final of 2011 and 2012 both times against the LA Galaxy, coach Dominic Kinnear knows that his troops are now hungrier than ever to win their first title since 2007. Judging by last night's 4-0 effort against the New England Revolution, they seem ready to conquer all.

Here are the five most influential players expected to lead them to glory this year.

5. Boniek Garcia

Boniek Garcia Houston Dynamo
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

5. Boniek Garcia

Boniek Garcia Houston Dynamo
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Honduran international will be playing all around the final third looking to set up others as well score some beauties on his own. He will be an important factor in building up scoring plays. He will have to connect with his teammates on a consistent basis in order to keep the chemistry flowing and the goals pouring in.

4. Brad Davis

Brad Davis Houston Dynamo
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

4. Brad Davis

Brad Davis Houston Dynamo
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The captain and U.S. international midfielder will be responsible of keeping the team focused on both ends of the ball. Even though he is already 32, he still has a lot to offer as he is one of the very set-piece takers and can score goals when need be. Davis usually plays straight down the middle as the attacking midfielder, but at times he decides to drift wide to help distribute the ball into the area. His presence will be mandatory.

3. Ricardo Clark

Ricardo Clark Houston Dynamo
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ricardo Clark

Ricardo Clark Houston Dynamo
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

He is not the best at defending or scoring, but his presence in the heart of the field has always been a nuisance to opponents. His teammates need him on the field because he cleans up their messes time and time again. When they are covered, he will attract defenders to create space for others and will also rip shots here and there when he has the desire to do so. Also, he always runs back to help his back line, which makes him a trooper.

2. Corey Ashe

Corey Ashe Houston Dynamo
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

2. Corey Ashe

Corey Ashe Houston Dynamo
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The left-back can run up and down the flank for days as he has seemingly neverending energy. When he joins the attack, he takes on players, crosses the ball into the area and sometimes even finds ways to take cracks on frame. His defensive ability is also impressive as he locks down his man successfully for all 90 minutes.

1. Will Bruin

Will Bruin Houston Dynamo
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

1. Will Bruin

Will Bruin Houston Dynamo
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

With a two goals and assist already, he is proving himself more and more as one of the most influential attackers in the orange colored shirt. Bruin will lead the team in scoring and will be a huge factor in creating for others. His season will determine whether he gets a chance at representing the national team as well. He is their most influential member in the final third.

Related MLS

MLS: Top Week One Goals
MLS Goals of the Week
MLS Week 1 Columbus Crew
Week 1 MLS Review: Houston Triumphs, New York Loses, Chivas Shocks
5 Key Players to Montreal Impact's 2014 MLS Season
5 Key Players to Montreal Impact’s 2014 MLS Season
MLS RSL V LA Galaxy
Real Salt Lake Beats Los Angeles Galaxy In Contentious Opening Kick MLS Match

Related Slideshow

Curva closure latest power battle in Serie A
Top 5 Serie A Goals of Week 27
Getty Images
Premier League Team of the Week
MLS: Top Week One Goals
MLS Goals of the Week
5 Key Players to Montreal Impact's 2014 MLS Season
5 Key Players to Montreal Impact’s 2014 MLS Season

Around the Web

ZergNet