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tBG) Houston has been one of the better teams in MLS since moving from San Jose in 2006. To what do you attribute that?
DT) Consistency with the tactics, with the roster and starters and in the front office. There haven't really been any major overhauls since the team came to Houston, and players have become comfortable in their roles. A shout out needs to be given for Dominic Kinnear, as his leadership as a coach is hard to quantify in any tangible way. Also, having the best left foot in all of Major League Soccer probably helps, too.
tBG) After winning their first two matches, the Dynamo have dropped three straight. What's going on?
DT) A few things, which I addressed here. Mental lapses, terrible officiating and being away from home, mostly. The mental lapses create self-inflicted wounds which force the team to shift tactics. The terrible officiating usually leads to frustration which is borne in how the team played following the red card to David Horst against FC Dallas. Finally, being away from home is usually not a good thing for any MLS club. The base stat I've seen thrown about is only 25% of away matches are wins for all of MLS.
tBG) Who is a player that maybe not as well known outside of Houston that Union fans should watch out for?
DT) David Horst, but you'll know about him soon enough. He has become our defensive stalwart, and if your readers remember facing Bobby Boswell, or even Eddie Robinson, you'll quickly find a like-minded and beast of a defender in Horst. He's also become the vocal leader and organizer of the back line and midfield in front of him, and he's become a fan favorite. I fully expect Sebastien Le Toux or Leo Fernandes to experience the full force of a Horst shoulder tackle.