HOUSTON — After missing the postseason last year, the Houston Dynamo have sure looked the part of a playoff team through the opening quarter of the season, most recently in their 2-1 triumph over FC Dallas in Saturday's Texas Derby.
However, the reality is that Houston have a lot left to prove, says Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera.
"We're fine but we've only played eight games," Cabrera said after the derby win. "We have not completed even 30 percent of what the season is. We can’t accelerate or get too excited. We are not throwing fireworks. Little by little, we are fine."
And so far, Houston's performances may be a reflection of a collective modesty.
“This is a team that is working hard, is keeping to themselves," forward Mauro Manotas said. "And we hope to put ourselves in the best position so that everyone is aware of what we bring to the table at the end of the year.”
Houston's Week 10 victory lifted the Dynamo two spots up to third in the Western Conference table, behind only their two conference foes in Los Angeles. However, the lurking variable may be that six of Houston's first eight games have been played at BBVA Compass Stadium, where they've gone 5-0-1.
They're 1-1-0 in two away matches this season, and will get a stern third road test when they visit the Seattle Sounders in Week 11 on Saturday (10 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in the US, DAZN in Canada).
"This is a very competitive league," said midfielder Matías Vera. "Winning as a visitor is complicated, but the team is working very well. We are focused on winning the most points we can."
Seattle currently sit even on points with Houston, with the Dynamo one spot ahead in the standings because they have six wins compared to the Sounders' five.
Cabrera is hopeful some characteristics of Houston's home form can translate at CenturyLink Field.
“We are being solid at home. As visitors, we have played only two games. We are going to play the third and we want to have that solidity,” said Cabrera. “Seattle is a tough and difficult game. They are a great rival and we are going to prepare ourselves in the best way to remain solid and show competitiveness in every way."
