HOUSTON – U.S. Soccer legend Tab Ramos can now add an MLS result to his extensive coaching resume, after his competitive debut on the Houston Dynamo sidelines was a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy Saturday.
Before being hired last October as the Dynamo’s fourth-ever head coach, Ramos had been leading the US U-20 men’s national team since 2011 and serving as men’s youth technical director since 2013. Ramos’ name was often tossed around when MLS coach openings arose, especially after leading the US to three straight three consecutive FIFA U-20 World Cup quarterfinal appearances.
Now, he has his chance to prove why.
“You are always a little bit nervous before big games,” Ramos said. “Obviously, it’s the first game so maybe a little bit more than usual, but any time you play a big game there is always nerves. The players have them. The coaches have them. Everybody has them, it’s normal. So, I was a little bit nervous, but I was really excited and I really enjoyed the experience.”
That experience saw Houston silenceJavier “Chicharito” Hernandez on his MLS debut, and a front-foot style drew the home side level in the 54th minute via Mauro Manotas. The result came in spite of Ramos being without dynamic attackers Darwin Quintero and Alberth Elis, two likely starting XI centerpieces.
“In general, I’m happy with where the team is at this point considering the absences we have,” Ramos said. “But sometimes missing players is an opportunity for other players, and they have to take advantage of that. I think a few guys did a pretty good job today.”
The task before Ramos is revamping a Dynamo side that’s made the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs just once in the last six years (2017). They did lift the U.S. Open Cup in 2018, but the glory days of the mid-and-late 2000s have otherwise proven elusive.
As Ramos carries Houston into this new era, he saw moments against LA that portend a solid campaign ahead.
“We have a game system base that we try to open the field and to play on the bands. That shows and it's clear,” said Ramos. “It all depends because in soccer it depends on many things like the rival, the defense that other teams have, if they play with three, five or four in the back. Week by week it will depend, but we are forming an identity with the team and today has been a good start."
