First priority is better defense in second half

The Dynamo have taken MLS by storm with a highflying counterattack that has led to a league-leading six first-half goals in three games.

Unfortunately for Wilmer Cabrera’s players, they have resembled more of a drizzle after halftime. They have conceded five goals in the second half — the second-worst mark in the league.

Getting it right Saturday will be imperative because the Dynamo (2-1) play host to the Eastern Conference leading New York Red Bulls at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The Red Bulls (2-1-1) already have a late-game comeback on their résumé, having scored twice in the final 14 minutes to win their season opener at Atlanta United FC.

Dynamo midfielder Alex, who has played every minute this season, said the biggest problem has been the players’ mentality dropping off after halftime.

“We need to focus on that so we can improve,” Alex said this week through a translator. “That is something that will be worked on within ourselves.”

The dropoff was especially bad March 18 at Portland. The Dynamo led 2-1 at halftime but fell behind when they conceded two goals in the first 21 minutes. They eventually gave up one more in the dying moments.

Houston’s defensive line sat deep and struggled to get out when it won the ball. Portland’s relentless pressure may have been enough to score on any team that night, but it looked especially dangerous against a Dynamo team that had zero answers for it.

“During the second half, it almost seemed as if the game had been over,” Dynamo center back Leonardo said. “When we came back (for the second half ), we seemed confused. We came out from the break playing too defensive. We gave Portland an opportunity to grow.”

To a certain extent, the drop in intensity makes sense. It is human nature for an athlete to relax at least a little bit when playing with a lead. If the Dynamo want to make the playoffs, however, they must learn how to put teams away when they have a lead.

A one-goal lead is nice, but a two- or three-goal lead is a big advantage because the trailing team often must go on its front foot get back into the game. The Dynamo can be at their best in that situation.

It does not help that the Dynamo are not equipped with the type of players who thrive in a possessionoriented attack. That helps a team playing from the front because it forces the opponent to lose energy while chasing the ball.

The Dynamo have proven they can get out of the gates fast and take the lead. Their next job is to prove they can effectively play with the lead.

“We haven’t been able to control (the ball) and continue with the intensity that we play with in the first half,” Cabrera said. “It is our fault. It is our responsibility. …The good thing is we have identified the problem. Now we need to work on that.”