With the postponement of DC United and Toronto FC (now playing Monday morning) and the withdrawal of FC Dallas and Nashville SC, there is no doubt the storyline coming from Orlando is if this tournament will be completed or not in the “bubble.”
There is sadly a daily COVID-19 watch to see if players are testing positive and this is taxing on MLS, staff and players that are competing.
You, the fan, have mixed thoughts on if this tournament should even be played based on the virus and the risks associated with it.
As for the matches we have witnessed, we have seen much of the predictable.
Unforced errors, late and reckless tackles, and lack of precision in the attacking third – coupled with limited fitness levels at this point – have been clear.
Surely, you realized this would happen based on the craziness of coaches trying to put teams together.
Teams that are less into season transition have looked more organized while others are learning new systems and tactics.
For instance, before you bash Jaap Stam – the former Manchester United center back now in charge of FC Cincinnati -you must realize he has inherited one of the worst launches in MLS history and will need to be given time and resources to turn it around.
FC Cincy is in this position because of what has come before him. Mainly poor choices and hires, leadership struggles and more.
So on to the Dynamo.
For me, provided they play on Monday night vs. LAFC, the biggest talking point is if both Honduran international Albert Elis (“La Panterita”) and big off season acquisition Darwin Quintero will both be in the starting lineup.
Fans have clamored to see these two mobile, aggressive, attacking players together but there remains a question.
In an aggressive Tab Ramos system, will they provide the “buy in” in transition when the ball is lost?
Dynamo coach Ramos has made it clear, in a press conference this past Saturday, this is an area they are working on.
We have also witnessed some excellent competitive spirit and some noteworthy individual performances like Gustavo Bou of New England Revolution and Lucas Zelarayan of Columbus who both wowed with spectacular goals.
What is your biggest Dynamo question heading into their opener against a Carlos Vela-less but still potent LAFC?
