Written by Juan Pereira

Photo from Houston Dynamo FC

The Dynamo’s 2024 season is now officially underway! And what better way to start it off than with a win against Chivas, one of the better sides in Liga MX? 

Well, that statement is a little misleading. This is the Dynamo’s first friendly match of 2024, and while they were facing Chivas, it wasn’t the Mexican side’s starting 11; they played yesterday against Toluca. The Dynamo faced off against the reserves, but that doesn’t sound very exciting, right? 

Nevertheless, this game was considered a success for the Dynamo in terms of getting warmed up while facing real competition. “It was just good to get out there and play our first friendly. We’ve been competing against each other, so to have other competition was enjoyable,” Steve Clark said. “I think it’s important for all of us to get back out there to work on the connections and how we want to be as a team.” 

One of the many positives that came from this game was that Tate Schmitt, who was sidelined for about 10 months, was able to play in his competitive game since his injury. “I’m thankful for all the trainers and the whole staff supporting me and helping me with my recovery. I’m blessed to be back on the pitch playing the game I love again,” Schmitt said. 

Reports have come out that the Dynamo were able to win this game 1-0 thanks to a goal from Sebas Ferreira(!). While the club haven’t outright confirmed it, Schmitt does hint at a positive result. “The biggest thing is coming into a new environment and grinding out a result. The first group came in and got a nice goal from Brad (Smith) and Sebas (Ferreira) to give us the lead. The second team came in the second 45 minutes, and a lot of times in games you don't have to get that second or third goal, you just have to be able to survive and grind out results and keep a shutout… I think we showed that in this first preseason game that we can get behind the ball, defend and win games by doing that.” 

So while it’s nice to hear that the first result of the 2024 season was a positive one, these games are not about the wins or losses. In the end, players are trying to find their groove again. I hope guys like Sebas Ferreira can show the Dynamo what they can do now that a clean slate has been offered.