A ReAL Opportunity

Saturday night, the Dynamo begin a stretch that will determine how realistic the term "top tier MLS team" will be when applied to the team -- and perhaps whether such superlatives should even be used when describing this team.

Yes, we all know the Dynamo are a top tier team. They've proven it against quality opponents, from domestic and international quarters alike. They routinely compete for the top honors, including the MLS Cup, Goal of the Year, and MVP (for D-Ro, who came in second) last year, and this year we have proven our abilities with three 4-goal games, a record setting shutout streak, and nearly a season record for fewest goals conceded.

If Dynamo-H has a weakness, it's in its inability to finish when controlling a match, and in its inability to get results against controllable opponents. Saturday night, when RSL comes to town (game guide), we face just such an opponent.

ReAL Salt Lake isn't the complete creampuff it once was. It has already beaten us once, and they are coming off a 2-game winning streak. They have also added some creative Argentines. Nevertheless, they are not Dynamo-caliber and we should be able to take a full 3 points versus them...particularly when playing in Houston.

Moreover, we NEED those three points. We don't have much of a shot at the Supporters' Shield anymore, but we still can nearly equal the prestige. The Supporters' Shield winner earns a berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and in SuperLiga. The Dynamo can get into both of these prestigious competitions without winning the Shield if they (1) rank in the top four teams (which earns them a SuperLiga berth) AND (2) win the MLS Cup (which earns them a CCC berth, as well as accolades -- including a star on their crest -- for being the MLS Champion). The league is getting very crowded. We are competing not only with FCD and Chivas in our Conference, but also with DCU, New England, and RBNY. To accomplish our goals, we NEED every point that comes our way, and only 18 are left for us. Getting those points propels us towards the top 4 and towards home field advantage through the MLS Cup tourney.

We need those points, but can we get them? We have had trouble finishing lately. Injuries have sidelined some of our best players, and D-Ro (while not playing poorly) hasn't had the dominant season that he can have. We need to string together another run, and RSL is the perfect place to start.

I say that tonight we win and capture the 3 points, passing up our 11 win mark from last season and giving us 42 points. That won't be enough, but it's a start. Then it's off to LA and Dallas, before returning to face LA again at home for our final regular season home game. Greatness can begin tonight!