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Houston Dynamo Begin A New Era In 2015 MLS Season

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By @DFresh39

2015 Houston Dynamo Preview

Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

It is time for a new-look Houston Dynamo in the 2015 MLS season as Dominic Kinnear left to head west. New coach Owen Coyle will take over from the only manager the Houston organization has ever known as they join the Western Conference. Coyle is known for his direct style, but long ball play will not work for the Dynamo. Coyle must find a way to combine his veteran players with emerging young talent to maintain possession and threaten the opposing back line.

The former Premier League manager has brought optimism and energy to Houston and will be supported by new technical director Matt Jordan. Together, the two retooled the roster after a dismal 2014 season. They declined the option on five players, declined to sign one, traded two, and lost one in the expansion draft. The Dynamo will be looking to use a new roster in an exciting way that will open up the field.

The No. 1 goalkeeper for Houston is expected to be Tyler Deric. He had a dismal start to his career at the end of 2014. Joe Willis was acquired in a trade to provide competition. The two have a combined one-third of an MLS season of experience.

The back four will contain many familiar names. DaMarcus Beasley and Kofi Sarkodie will be on the edges. Sarkodie is one of the best at his position at helping to generate shots, while Beasley is one of the best outside backs in MLS. Corey Ashe remains on the squad to provide depth.

Raul Rodriguez is the team’s second-biggest offseason addition and will be expected to be in central defense. David Horst and Jermaine Taylor will be first in line to partner with Rodriguez. A.J. Cochran is still on the roster, but his dismal 2014 has him at the bottom of the depth chart.

The midfield by far and away the best part of the Dynamo. Brad Davis and Boniek Garcia always pose a threat as they drift central. Ricardo Clark‘s engine is still running on all cylinders. Luis Garrido is a fierce back line protector. Clark and Garrido may spend too much time covering for the other center-back.

The biggest splash made by the Dynamo was the signing of Erick “Cubo” Torres, whose arrival date is unknown. Torres is sure to contribute goals and sell plenty of jerseys. Providing him help will be the bigger issue. Giles Barnes and a healthy Will Bruin will play up top until Cubo arrives.

This is shaping up to be a rebuilding year in Houston. Rodriguez will be the key player in keeping the back line on the same page, but inconsistent play from his partner will open a revolving door. Willis and Deric will both see time in goal as Coyle tries to shake up his team. Cubo’s integration may come a little too late to keep the 2015 playoffs in sight.

2015 prediction: 10-17-7, 37 points, eighth in the West

Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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