Entering last Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Houston Dynamo knew the tasks that were ahead of them. Following their 3-1 win at The Home Depot Center, Dynamo can check one of those tasks off their lists: They clinched a playoff spot.
Now, with four games remaining, the Orange still have a tough road ahead of them as they try to finish in first in the Western Conference with three of their final four away from Robertson Stadium.
"I think it's a great challenge," said Dynamo midfielder Richard Mulrooney. "I think the team will show its character over the next (four) weeks with (three) on the road and one at home. (One against) L.A., one at Salt Lake, one at Dallas, (one at Chivas). Those are great games, and if we can come through this with some positive points, then I think we will be rolling into the playoffs. We don't have to win all (four), but we don't want to lose all (four). The character of this team will show in the next weeks."
Dynamo got a lift against the Galaxy as forwards Brian Ching and Paul Dalglish and defender Craig Waibel returned from injury. Ching scored a goal in his return, and Waibel entered during second half stoppage time and finished out the game.
The added depth in time for the playoffs is a plus for the defending MLS Cup champions.
"I would have liked to have been back a week earlier," Ching said. "The team did well. I think I have enough time between now and the playoffs to be ready for those (games)."
Added Dalglish: "We'll be firing on all cylinders. It's great for us for everyone to be coming back to full fitness in time for the playoffs and to have everyone ready to contribute."
Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear likes having the guys getting back healthy with the stretch run upon them, especially with the competition it will create at some positions including forward where six guys will competing for playing time.
"It's nice to get these guys back," Kinnear said. "We have the bye week to get more guys healthy. When you make the stretch run, you want as many guys healthy as you can. I think the last time we had as many guys available like this was the beginning of SuperLiga.
"The guys that we have brought in have done great for us. That's Joe (Ngwenya), Nate (Jaqua) and Richard. They have contributed for us and done well. (Chris Wondolowski) is there and Paul's there. We still could throw Dwayne (DeRosario) or Brian Mullan up there.
"There is competition, and that's what you want. You want a healthy squad, so if you want to make a change, the person that is available doesn't miss a step at all. That's why we have been so good all year because guys that are injured and have been missed are being replaced by guys off the bench that don't miss a beat. We don't feel like we are missing anyone."
With one goal accomplished, Dynamo now can turn their attention to finishing the regular season as high as possible.
"Really, the first thing was to clinch a playoff spot, which means you are involved in the postseason," Kinnear said. "(Four) games left, you want to finish as high as possible. Not a real good idea to watch scoreboards. We just need to concentrate on what we need to do. It will give us a better opportunity to place higher in the West."
Jeremy Rakes is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
