and to challenge in SuperLiga, the CONCACAF Champions' Cup and other hardware pursuits -- finding other sources of offense will be key. Perhaps some of Dynamo's younger players -- Stuart Holden and Chris Wondolowski, for example -- are ready to step up and take bigger roles. Regardless, avoiding the midseason doldrums the team suffered through this year would ease the need for Eddie Robinson and his defensive mates to play flawless soccer each time out on the pitch.
WHAT WAS THE TEAM'S BEST MOMENT IN '07?
The obvious (and understandable) answer would be hoisting a second consecutive MLS Cup at RFK Stadium. But dig a little deeper and there's a moment in that same RFK Stadium which helped define this championship team months earlier. After a 2-1 loss to D.C. United on May 26, 2007 -- the club's third defeat in a row -- the Dynamo players closed the locker room and cleared the air. Forty-five minutes later, the team that emerged was a more cohesive unit, and the results were immediate. Beginning with the next game, Dynamo went on an 11-game league unbeaten streak that rocketed them back to the top of the Western Conference. Without hitting bottom in D.C., Dynamo likely never reaches the high of back-to-back titles.
WHICH PLAYER MADE THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT IN '07?
On a team full of heady veterans and featuring two elite scorers, Holden still found a way to make his mark. The former Clemson University player, who also played in England at Sunderland, entered the season with one career goal in 13 games, but tallied an impressive five goals and a team-high tying five assists in 22 appearances in 2007. Now a key cog on the United States under-23 national team, Holden is the kind of talent who could step in and help ease the load on Houston's elder statesmen up front.
WHICH BENCH PLAYER OR RESERVE IS READY FOR A MOVE TO THE SENIOR CLUB?
Another Dynamo U.S. U-23 participant, Patrick Ianni has shown himself worthy of time on what is statistically the league's best backline. Returning from USL loan in May, Ianni found the net against the Wizards and subsequently found more time on the field. Turning that promise into regular starts may be tough on this club, but making the most of late-game substitutions and keeping his head in the game could mean a breakout year for the Generation adidas defender.
WHICH AREA(S) NEED THE MOST IMPROVEMENT DURING THE OFFSEASON?
Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear noted the team is "always looking to improve at every position," which sounds a bit like coachspeak for "We just won the title." But truthfully, the team could use an infusion of young legs, and a bit more consistency on the attacking end. Losing Ryan Cochrane to the expansion draft seemed to be dealt with quickly with the acquisition of Bobby Boswell from D.C. United, but it remains to be seen if he will return to his MLS Defender of the Year form and how he will mesh with the Dynamo back four. As well, giving up Zach Wells could prove an expensive price, with Onstad turning 40 in the New Year. Finally, can De Rosario maintain the sort of attacking drive from the attacking midfield spot over the entire season, and find the right partnership up front with players such as Ching and Joseph Ngwenya and Nate Jaqua?
