Houston Dynamo FC to face Sporting Kansas City on Sunday

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 3, 2021) The Houston Dynamo FC hits the road with six games remaining in the season to face Sporting Kansas City at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City with a 3 p.m. CT start.

Dynamo head coach Tab Ramos talked with the press on Friday, October 1, via zoom, and talked about the team's preparation for the match.

First, he discussed how the team is navigating this match prior to the international match.

 "Obviously, we're a little disappointed after this last game that we couldn't get three points. In particular, once we analyzed the video and we saw how many clear chances we had to win the game by two or three goals, it's disappointing. We have to keep moving forward. This team has done a good job of that, of putting things behind and working as hard as possible for the next game and that's what we'll keep doing."

He also talked about what to expect from Kansas City.

 "I think it's no secret that they are a really good team. I feel like Seattle and Kansas City are the two best teams in the Western Conference. I have to say, I'd have to include Portland in there because I think player-by-player, I think Portland is just as good and they will get their form. Kansas City is difficult in particular at their place. I feel like we're in a good moment right now and we're going for the win, that's what we prepare for."

With the MLS playoffs looming on the horizon, he stated: 

"I think we cross that bridge when the time comes. Personally, I can tell you I've been involved in soccer since I was five-years-old, so it's been 50 years of doing this. I've never quit anything, and we always do all we can to win games. At the end of the day, that's why you play the games. Right now, we're still in it, I think we need a big result this weekend. That's what we're going for and that's what the players are excited about." 

Having beat Kansas City earlier this season, he discussed if that game will play an impact on Sunday's matchup.

"We think we can, I think Kansas City is playing better now than they were at that time, but I feel like we're playing better than we were at that time. I think defensively we're much more solid right now than we were at that moment. I know we won the game I think 1-0, when we played them at home. I didn't feel like we were as solid as we are today, we didn't have Teenage (Hadebe) at that time I believe. I think we're a better team now than we were at that time and I think they are as well." 

He was also asked if they are doing anything differently to prepare for this road game:

"Not really. We have to analyze the video and we have to think about how we're doing according to what we see there. Not necessarily and I realize of course that I'm always responsible for results only, I know that's the one thing that matters. When we analyze the video, we have to look at chance creation and how we were in front of the goal and did we get in front of the goal and should we have been winning the game. I think we're at that place where I feel like this last game, we certainly should have won it and in Minnesota we made two serious mistakes to start the game that kind of took us out of the game, the rest of the game was good. Not that that's a consolation, but I do look at our last five games and I see us in a good trend playing better and doing well. I think at the moment, we of course improve a few little things here and there, but we're defending a lot better and we have to continue to do that and that gives us a chance to win."

Houston Dynamo fall 2-1 to FC Dallas; Elis may be leaving team

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis,
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

DALLAS, TEXAS (September 12, 2020) The Houston Dynamo had their six-game unbeaten streak come to an end with a 2-1 loss to FC Dallas at on Saturday evening. Midfielder Memo Rodriguez scored the lone goal for Houston; his third of the season, off a free kick, in the 41st minute. He stated after the match:

"During training, (forward) Darwin (Quintero) has taken most of the free-kicks but I told him if we had one this game, I wanted to take it. I think they expected him to take it because they put a wall with a guy that was on one knee. I think that gave me a little but of an advantage and I knew it was pretty close so I tried to hit it as hard as I could to the goalie’s side and thankfully it went in.’’

His goal was the 13th for the club in 2020.

Against Dallas, Houston was without the services of Alberth Elis. He did not play in the Dynamo's Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rapids, which ended in a 1-1 draw, despite nor being on the club's injury list. Against Dallas he did not play. Prior to the match, he was  listed as questionable with a left thigh injury.

It has been speculated in various media outlets that Elis may be headed to Boavista in Portugal. He has been a consistent producer since arriving at the Dynamo during the middle of the 2017 season. He has 34 goals and 27 assists in 88 MLS appearances, including four goals and three assists over six games in Ramos' first year in charge.

Head coach Tab Ramos (shown above) addressed the potential loss of Elis, in his post game press conference

“To be perfectly honest, I’m not really sure; it sounds like something is going to happen with Alberth, but at this point I can’t really expand on that because I really don’t know. I know he was half in training yesterday, but there’s a good possibility that he goes overseas."

Houston will return to action on Saturday, September 19 when they host Minnesota in their first home match with fans in attendance since the pandemic shutdown.

Head coach Tab Ramos talks about Houston Dynamo and "MLS is Back" Tourney

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo and
Paul-Michael Ochoa.
Used with permission from 
mlssoccer.app.box.com.

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

REUNION. FLORIDA (July 12, 2020) Leading into the Houston Dynamo playing their first competitive match in over four months, head coach Tab Ramos (shown right) talked with the press at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort. His Dynamo will be playing in Group F of the MLS is Back Tournament, with matches scheduled against the LA Galaxy, LAFC, and Portland. Their first match is scheduled for Monday, July 13 against the Los Angeles Football Club with an 8 p.m. EDT kickoff.

The following questions were asked to Ramos. His responses follows the questions:

On the first competitive match for the team since March 7: 

"First of all, we are very excited about having an opportunity to play. Obviously, it has been a long, long time. Even for the players that have played, they had the opportunity to play two games and before that, they had not played in months. So, it has really been a long time. The players are anxious to get on the field and we can’t wait to get started.”

On the mood of the coaches and players after MLS adjusted the tournament format due to COVID-19:

“Is there worry? You always worry a little bit, of course. We feel safe. We feel like we are in a good spot. Our medical group has done an amazing job to keep us safe. I think the players have also done an amazing job in terms of staying away from where they shouldn’t be and being as professional as they can to protect each other and our families. We all owe to each other and they have done a great job with that. We are very happy with where we are and how we are doing things.”

On the chemistry of the team:

“There’s been a lot over the last three or four months in terms of developing team chemistry. Obviously, we are doing it more on the field now, we had an opportunity to do it off the field through Zoom and (Microsoft) Team meetings and that type of thing. Now, we are finally getting on the field. We are very excited about it and now it is just time to start playing.”

On the format of the tournament and being in the group of death:

“We’re going to do the best to (compete in the group of death). We are preparing to do that and I’m sure the other teams have as well. You can see in some of the other matches that the timing is off as well, for everyone. Which I think is normal and can be expected to a certain extent. Obviously, we hope on Monday that the game goes perfect for us, that is what we work towards, but I know that it has been a long time since we have played. In terms of being in the group of death, I think this is a good scenario for us. I think this is just what we need to get tested. For me as a new coach, it is important to see the best teams, how they play and where we are and how far we need to go, if it is that far at all. So, I’m excited to be in this group and to play great teams.”

On if the team has had issues with COVID-19 and the new tournament format: 

“First, I think our group has done, like I said before, our medical group from even when we were in Houston – obviously, Houston being one of the hot spots in the country now. All the players and the medical group and the protocols from MLS, and internally, have put us in a very safe position to be able to do all of the things we have done. So, we feel very good about everything that has happened so far. In terms of the two teams that left and the tournament changing, obviously, as you know nothing changed in our group. Our group is still the same and if anything it has made the tournament a little more even, because the groups work out better now. So, we just have to move on. We don’t feel good about two teams not being here. We wish they could be here. I’m sure they did the best they could to participate as well. I think, this was a good decision by the league at this time.”

 On his excitement to see the team play a game: 

“Yeah, it is hard to explain actually. After you have been for three months on Zoom and Microsoft Teams, you don’t know if you are coaching a chess team, or if you are coaching a real team that comes out on the field and does something. So, I’m very excited to be on the field as a coach. I know if I’m excited the players are dying to get on the field on Monday.”

On what he learned from the games the Dynamo did play and the performance of the Houston Dash: 

“Obviously, with the Dash, James and I are developing a good relationship as being part of the club and all of us being inclusive with each other. I follow their games, I know they are going into the last game in the group and they are 1-1-1, and they have been an exciting team to watch. I am really excited to see them in the next round and wish them from here, not just myself but the whole team, is wishing them luck going into the next round. So, there’s so much (that he learned from the first two games of the year). Unfortunately, over the last four months there is only two games we could analyze for four months, so – we looked at those games for so much. Obviously, in Kansas City we started strong, we pressed them well. Then a couple of long balls, the game opened up and we had to chase the game the rest of the time. Overall, I was happy with the team. In terms of the attitude to come out and get a result. I know that we have to improve, we have to improve on the transition side of the ball. Transition from attacking to defending has been an issue for us in the first two games. Then I thought in the (LA) Galaxy game, we had a lot of the ball, a lot of possession in the first game. Yet, we didn’t create that many opportunities. So, we have been working on that as well. Hopefully, we see on Monday some of the things we want done a little better.”

On facing LAFC without Carlos Vela: 

“There’s no question, when you are missing the best player in the league it does make a difference. LAFC is one of those clubs, that unfortunately for us, has a great roster from top to bottom. They can replace them with another great player. Having said that, obviously, not seeing Vela there changes the game a little bit. He is so dangerous up front. We will stick to doing what we do, which is try to be aggressive from the beginning and focus on our team. Looking forward to playing what is likely the best team in the league.”

On the depth of the roster and player rotation: 

“Yeah, I feel like we are in a good place. We’ve been preparing all 27 players that we have available here. So, I think from a fitness standpoint they are in the best place they could possibly be and that’s all 27 of them. Not just whatever the starting XI will be on Monday. So, we feel good about that part. Hopefully, a lot of the players will get an opportunity to show themselves.”

On how he is using his previous experiences get players mentally past the restrictions of the bubble: 

“It is going to be difficult, this is different from anything else I have lived before. The only thing that is sort of the same is the format of the tournament. I do know how important it is for a team like ours to start the tournament on the right foot, playing well and develop more and more confidence. I think we have given the players a lot of confidence. I think we will be ready to go and I think it is important for us to start, even if we are going to play likely the best team in the league, it is important to start strong.”

MLS gears up for a new start

Photo by Mike Kiel, LJR Sports Photographed
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Lou Roesch

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 27, 2020) 

Houston Dynamo coach Tab Ramos addressed the media following the announcement by MLS Soccer Commissioner Don Garber’s of the leagues return to live action. The announcement came on Wednesday morning one day ahead of the team’s full competition training session on June 11, 2020. The winner gets a 2021 Champions League automatic berth.

The Houston Dynamo and Ramos feel as if they have an advantage considering Ramos’ work with the national team over the previous eight years. As a coach for the national team, a lot of preparation was done prior to the players arriving at a camp. They were a;ways hungry for competition. He expects his players to be as well.

“First, I think it is very exciting for the players. I really can’t wait to see them tomorrow, because as they come in to training it is the first day where they can actually have contact tomorrow. I think it will be exciting for them, obviously these type of athletes at this level they are incredibly competitive and not having had the opportunity to compete day-in and day-out, I’m sure that is something they miss a lot. That is the first part of it, and then obviously seeing the tournament - you know the way it is going to fall, our first game could be anytime between the (eighth) of July and the 11th of July. As you likely know, the schedule and the draw comes out tomorrow so once we know that we will know the exact date and we will start working towards that.”

The tournament is set along the World Cup format including a $1.1 million dollar payout. It begins on July 8th. The draw for the 54 game tournament will be held on June 11, 2020 at which time the Houston side will know how much time they have to prepare fore the tournament.

“I feel good about it. I was afraid we were going to get less time to prepare. I think a month is actually a good time to be well prepared to play our first game. Obviously, we have been together now for about three weeks, but the players have not been able to compete. Physically we are starting to get them to a good level, but now the playing part is the most difficult. I feel good about it. I think there is plenty of time to be well prepared for the first game.”

For all the negatives of COVID-19, there was one big positive for the Houston Dynamo and every other team for that matter. The Dynamo will almost be back to full strength by the time the tournament.

“It looks like at this point that Kiki (Struna), as we start tomorrow, he will be doing some of the exercises with us already. So, he is very close to being 100 percent with us. Jose (Bizama) is likely maybe one or two weeks away. But it is likely that we go into the season - obviously we don’t know what will happen in the next four weeks - but hopefully we will go into the season with a healthy Jose Bizama, a healthy Darwin Quintero and a healthy Alberth Elis. That is something we didn’t have when the season started, and also Victor Cabrera. So that will be four guys that we could potentially start the new season that we didn’t have at the beginning.”

One of the challenges facing Ramos and the Dynamo is the evaluation process of the players for fitness, and skill and who fits where and how.

“The truth is that it is very difficult. What we are evaluating is the physical work. In other words, the players work with GPS, we know the meters they cover every day, we know the capacity they are giving us, we know the percentage of the speed that they run every day taking as much as each one has. In general, the only evaluation that can be done so far is the physical evaluation because the players have not been able to compete. Then they are seen coming to training, that physically they are gradually improving. If they have touched the ball, if they have done exercises which can improve their technique, but in terms of being able to evaluate them without the players being competing if it is very difficult."

Following the tournament which includes wins and losses during group play as part of the regular season, the league will return to an abbreviated season. Garber was unable to elaborate on the specifics yet bit was enthused that following the tournament in Orlando, Florida, the league could get back to a semblance of normalcy.

Houston Dynamo hold first training session of 2020

Story and photo by Lou Roesch
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 20, 2020) The Houston Dynamo opened the 2020 campaign with a spirited first training session under head coach Tab Ramos. Ramos, a decorated American soccer player and the highest profile coach the organization has had since Dominic Kinnear. Ramos, a soccer Hall of Famer and the only coach to a USA national team to a title has been tabbed with job of returning Houston soccer to the promised land.

Ramos made it clear following practice that there is really for all intent and purposes only one goal; win a championship. He little doubt also as ot what he expects from his players.

“I am a very determined coach. I am one that accepts nothing but the best from the players on the field and maybe that is a culture I have brought from having with the (U.S.) youth national teams, that type of winning culture.”

The Dynamo showed a lot of energy and enthusiasm on day and going forward, the Dynamo coach said they will look to bottle it.

“The players have been off for a long time, so I know they are excited about that. They are excited about starting with a new coach and starting a new season, so we have to sort of bottle all of that excitement the first couple of days to make sure that physically we are getting exactly what we need.”

The Houston Dynamo have a plethora of experience and now youth on their side something General Manager Matt Jordan wanted to achieve during the offseason.

“We feel we have a team and a roster that could compete with anyone in Major League Soccer. A big offseason objective of ours was to get younger. And we feel we accomplished that, getting younger in each of our lines throughout the team.”

Houston opens the season against newly signed “Chixharito and the L.A. Galaxy on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

Houston Dynamo "Tab" Ramos as new head coach

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 27, 2019) The Houston Dynamo has named Tab Ramos as their fourth official head coach in program history. The 53-year-old former professional player will bring eleven years of coaching  experience to the posistion; having spend the past eight years as the head coach of the United States men's national under-20 soccer team.

Over this thirteen-year professional career, Ramos played as a midfielder in Spain, Mexico, and the United States. He was the first player to sign with Major League Soccer, andspent the last seven years of his career with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, now known as the New York Red Bulls. He appeared in three FIFA World Cups for the United States and was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.

As a coach, Ramos led the under-20 age group team to the final of the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship where they lost to Mexico. The team qualified for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, however they failed to make it out of the group stage, finishing bottom with 1 point.

In November 2013, he signed a contract to remain in the position. He won the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship with the United States, with assistant coaches Omid Namazi and Brad Friedel.