DYNAMO PLAYERS TO WATCH
Houston Dynamo forwards had already been recognized as some of the most talented players in MLS.
In 2018, Mauro Manotas, Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto collectively scored more than 35 league goals and added close to 25 total assists.
But those scoring numbers dropped off last season for each, although Manotas tallied more assists.
Entering 2020, that three-man front has been reshaped but Houston’s forwards could be the team’s most effective players again under new coach Tab Ramos.
Elis and Manotas are two of four Dynamo players to watch this season.
Mauro Manotas (F)
Manotas needs eight goals in all competitions to tie Brian Ching (69) for the club’s career scoring record.
It’s unsurprising that he’s that close.
In recent years, as his name has been linked to a potential move overseas, Manotas has continued to break records and ascend Dynamo scoring charts.
In 2020, his eyes are on Ching’s record, although he’s more focused on leaving his mark with the club.
“As a team, we want to win. That is the priority,” he said.
“Personally, I want to score more goals, I want to do my part to help the team reach its goals. I’m within distance of certain records (but) I don’t have my eyes on that yet. I want to leave my mark with the club and I can do that by helping the team win.”
The last time the Dynamo reached the playoffs (2017) coincides with the last time Manotas didn’t finish as their leading scorer. He’s hoping those goals can carry Houston to more wins this season.
Darwin Quintero (F)
The Colombian’s impact is well-documented. He led Minnesota United in goals scored last season. But Quintero is expected to facilitate Manotas and his new teammates’ scoring for the Dynamo this season.
At 32, Quintero still has the pace to be a differencemaker. It should complement what’s already a dangerous Dynamo counterattack.
And his versatility gives Ramos options.
He can play Quintero up front or on the wing, which also enables Ramos to experiment with how he utilizes other players such as midfielder Tomas Martinez or forward Christian Ramirez, who offer different playing styles than Quintero and Manotas, respectively.
Alberth Elis (F)
The 2018 MLS All-Star is also in club-record territory.
He needs one league goal to move into the top five in club history (tying Giles Barnes, 31) and needs four assists to pass Ching (30) for the third most assists in club history across all competitions.
The Honduran’s speed has electrified Houston’s attack since he joined the club ahead of the 2017 season. He’s expected to do the same when he returns from a right thigh injury that will keep him out of Saturday’s season opener.
Memo Rodriguez (M)
Rodriguez announced his emergence during a breakout 2019 season.
In 2018, he started six games and scored one goal on 12 shots with no assists. The year before, he’d set career-highs with two goals and one assist.
Last season, he scored seven goals on 47 shots with five assists in 16 starts. He’s looking to build on that improvement under a coach that prizes pace and offensive aggression.