Houston Dynamo head coach Owen Coyle promised to make changes after Friday’s 4-1 home loss to the LA Galaxy, calling the team “a shadow of itself,” after the performance and saying the team gave up “soft goals”.
The Dynamo have scored 13 goals this season and have at times played an attacking style that has produced ample scoring opportunities, but in Friday’s game that attack was missing. Despite scoring in the opening minute and having more possession of the ball — 57.6 percent compared to the Galaxy’s 42.4 — the Dynamo could only muster three shots on target.
Coyle said his players never reached the level of play on the night that they are accustomed to.
While the offense was having trouble synchronizing, it was the defense that let Houston down against the Galaxy. In the young 2016 season, the Dynamo defense has now given up 13 goals this season, joint-worst in MLS.
“I feel like the goals we conceded [tonight], every one of them, was very avoidable in the respect that it was basic defending,” said Coyle.
“If somebody comes make good plays and they score team goals or special goals inside the box then we can accept it.”
Despite his analysis of the mistakes on each of the goals conceded, Coyle also took responsibility for the performance.
“When it’s all said and done, I’m the coach and the one who sends them out there and I’m accountable for that and take responsibility for that.
“There will be changes, that goes without saying. And all the boys looking for a chance well they’re going to get their chance. And when they get that jersey it’s up to each and every one of them to keep that jersey.”
The changes may not be wholesale, however. Coyle said he learned a long time ago not to make decisions after an emotional game and will use practice to assess the players and the changes he will make.
“There’s a lot to be pleased about the roster that myself and [Dynamo general manager] Matt [Jordan] have put together,” said Coyle. “But we need to shut the back door and stop conceding soft goals.”
