It's a new era in Houston and Tab Ramos' Dynamo are looking to capitalize on their momentum.
The Dynamo are on a five-game unbeaten run, including three straight wins. Those three wins have come at the expense of Sporting KC (twice) and Minnesota United, two teams at the top of the Western Conference. Houston aren't just content that Ramos' vision and message have been embraced so quickly: After missing the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in five of the past six years, Ramos is intent on changing that narrative immediately.
"Our ambitions are still the same, we have to make the playoffs," Ramos told reporters on a video conference call.
Goalkeeper Marko Maric, one of only a handful of key senior additions this offseason, echos his coach's objectives.
“We don’t have to be scared of anything," Maric said. "The whole league is based of human beings— why would we be afraid of any team in this league?”
Ramos points out that the club still haven't really had their full cadre of options for any stretch yet this season. Winger Alberth Elis has been in and out of the lineup with injuries, ditto for fellow Designated Player Mauro Manotas. Midseason acquisitions Ariel Lassiter and Wilfried Zahibo are still integrating into the team as well.
“There’s still a long ways to go," Ramos said. "I think it’s great we’re getting good results, but we still have to continue to improve.”
The Dynamo's next test will come on Wednesday against the Colorado Rapids (9 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada), when they'll be back on the road hoping to make it four wins in a row The conditions will be far from straightforward, however, with forecasts calling for mid-30 degree temperatures and a rain/snow mix at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
"It'll be like back in Norway [for me], maybe there'll be snow," Maric said. "We can't change the weather, we just have to do our best to cope."
