The Dynamo Are a Fading Brand in Houston

Discussion in 'Houston Dynamo' started by Westside Cosmo, Aug 4, 2019.

  1. Westside Cosmo

    Westside Cosmo Member+

    Oct 4, 2007
    H-Town
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Hate to make a new thread but at last nights game I noticed the seats in the lower level (mostly on the east side that gets afternoon sun) had clearly faded from their original color and enough that it is noticeable from other non-faded elements. It hit me while in the half-empty stadium that the faded seats are good analogy for the Dynamo and where they stand in Houston - faded and losing relevance daily.

    How do you combat fading seats and irrelevancy? with an investment in a fresh coat of paint and interjecting funds in the roster to become exciting and relevant again in Houston. Maybe even "overspending" on a name guy to attract some attention.

    Instead, this ownership group seems sadly content to nibble around the edges by investing in minimally adequate but nondescript players in the Matt Jordan mold and implementing cheap marketing plans and sales techniques to try and squeeze additional revenue out of a shrinking season ticket base (like the newspaper business).

    It's just not good enough and they aren't executing on some grand rebuilding plan or experiment like the Astros did. For as cheap and as crappy as the Astros were, you knew they were trying a rebuild by stockpiling high draft picks and saving cash to invest in players and in international ops (at least until MLB put some limits on international signings).

    Dynamo are just recycling mostly second-tier players thru the MLS washing machine and trying to sell them as new. There is no excuse for an owner in this market - a top 10 market in the US and in MLS even throwing places like Portland in as top 10 for MLS though they are much smaller in reality - to be spending in the bottom 10% of a 24 team league. Just completely inexcusable.

    It's like they take a perverse pride in executing around a business plan that counts on a core of 10k people to show up without any additional cash spending. I saw some point per dollar thing that shows the Dynamo at the 5th best in MLS, like finishing 8th in the West but at the best point per dollar constitutes success.
     
  2. CeltTexan

    CeltTexan Member+

    Sep 21, 2000
    Houston, TX USA
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Knowing how global in nature soccer is, and how much of a pull the sport has for such a vast international fan base of the sport.
    Here we are, Houston Texas U.S.A.!
    The best city.
    In the best State.
    In the best nation.
    A city that is now tops in diversity in our nation.
    A city loaded with gigantic corporate cash.
    A very soccer savvy populous.
    A talent rich youth soccer scene. Both guys n gals.
    And yet with all that is in our favor.
    What does our club do as MLS booms?!? Like you say Westie, our owners are content to nibble around the edges. Over owning a 5 star restaurant that dishes out the best steaks in Texas!
     
  3. JDogindy

    JDogindy Member

    Nov 20, 2014
    Club:
    Indy Eleven
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Obviously, I don't live in Houston, but I followed the team since their "move" from San Jose back in the mid 2000s, and this is just... wow.

    I thought the Will Bruin days were rough, but it's pretty obvious the new owners only care about the team from a vanity standpoint and are content on just raking in as much as possible with as little effort. It's hard to be motivated each year knowing you're at the bottom of payroll and the next 5 years will be "Remember the 2018 Open Cup?! Remember that? Yeah? That was fun!"

    ...ashamedly, if Indianapolis becomes Team #30, I'll have to leave the Dynamo behind, not just because of hometown support, but also because I just can't see this team thriving with owners who only look at the team as knick-knacks that look good on a shelf and nothing more.
     
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  4. Westside Cosmo

    Westside Cosmo Member+

    Oct 4, 2007
    H-Town
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Since you don't appear to live here locally, I'd leave them behind already. It's unfortunate the way things have gone and ownership doesn't seem to care enough about winning to spend an adequate level to be a consistent winner.
     
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  5. naranjableeder

    naranjableeder Member+

    Houston Dynamo
    United States
    Jul 30, 2006
    In the Terraces
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    This will sound mean, but We don't need your support if that's a reason why you don't support us.

    Had you of just left it at "I'm going to root for the home team when they get here, I'd respect it."
     
    Dynam0 repped this.
  6. CeltTexan

    CeltTexan Member+

    Sep 21, 2000
    Houston, TX USA
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Yes.
    We DID think the Will Bruin days were harsh.
    Now as MLS is soaring on all fronts, our club is getting left behind.
     
  7. Westside Cosmo

    Westside Cosmo Member+

    Oct 4, 2007
    H-Town
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
  8. JDogindy

    JDogindy Member

    Nov 20, 2014
    Club:
    Indy Eleven
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Dude... come on. Like, I get where you're coming from, but still. I loved the Dynamo since the beginning and stood by them through thick and thin, showing that it wasn't just the early MLS Cup victories that made me love the club, but if a team comes to Indianapolis, I'm gonna be torn between supporting the team I've loved since the 2000s and the new team, and Brener & Del La Hoya haven't made much of a case for me wearing burnt orange considering how they're just decimating this club with their blatant frugality and apathy. It's one thing for an owner to be an asshole about everything like the infamous "Dollar" Bill Wirtz of the Chicago Blackhawks, but it's another to continue spinning nonsense as progress.
     
  9. naranjableeder

    naranjableeder Member+

    Houston Dynamo
    United States
    Jul 30, 2006
    In the Terraces
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I read this.

    We have small minded, penny pinching Owner's/Staff that think we are doing the world a favor by not buying into the trend that the MLS is going to and that's spending money on REAL talent. They keep leaning on this weird culture of diamonds in the rough... but these dummies aren't finding gold because they are panning for it in there ********ing bath tube...Some can argue to that we have Elis, Manotas, and despite his faults Quioto have been good buys. Struna in my opinion has been stellar with flaws, but overall best defender we've had in years.

    The others have misinformed, bargain bin buys sold as a upgrade
     
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  10. naranjableeder

    naranjableeder Member+

    Houston Dynamo
    United States
    Jul 30, 2006
    In the Terraces
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I don't love this team or continue to go to the games or root for them because of the FO. They play absolutely no fact into it.
     
    *rey* repped this.
  11. ElNaranja

    ElNaranja Member+

    Houston Dynamo
    United States
    Jul 16, 2017
    I was curious about all of the player moves Jordan has made and am in the process of measuring him. Got all of the players, I think. Going to double check later before doing some stat work after that.

    Early signs point toward "lol wtf were you thinking" but let's see...
     
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  12. naranjableeder

    naranjableeder Member+

    Houston Dynamo
    United States
    Jul 30, 2006
    In the Terraces
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Even in a latter years of our Trusted Dom, the buys started not make sense. It has nothing to do with the coaches and everything with the people spending the money.

    Dudes outs here buying Ford Pinto's and showing them off like a SS Camero
     
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  13. nbrooks503

    nbrooks503 Previously Held @Dynamo Hostage From 2008-2019

    Jun 1, 2008
    Disgruntled Former STH - Fairweather Bandwaggoner
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I used to have a lime green 1971 Pinto. I put racing stripes on it, but it was still a Pinto and used to slow down going up hills.
     
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  14. TX Bill

    TX Bill Member+

    Apr 3, 2006
    Sugar Land TX
    Club:
    Everton FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    At this point...

    ...I think the only way they save this organization now is:

    1) Sign an absolutely huge name DP. Someone who would jack attendance up on name recognition alone and can still play. Get people in the seats.

    then...

    2) Start winning again. Keep the people in the seats by winning and playing attractive football.

    I don't think winning alone is going to solve all the problems that the club has though because...

    3) Gut the front office and start over.

    They were bold enough to do it with the academy program (about five years too late but at least they did it) but it's clear that drastic measures are needed.

    You may also say:

    4) New owners.

    That is clearly needed but I can't see that happening.
     
  15. TX Bill

    TX Bill Member+

    Apr 3, 2006
    Sugar Land TX
    Club:
    Everton FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Interesting.

    They played 100% into the reason why I gave up my season tickets after 10 years and no longer have any desire to go watch them at all.

    To each his own I guess.
     
  16. Westside Cosmo

    Westside Cosmo Member+

    Oct 4, 2007
    H-Town
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
  17. ElNaranja

    ElNaranja Member+

    Houston Dynamo
    United States
    Jul 16, 2017
  18. nbrooks503

    nbrooks503 Previously Held @Dynamo Hostage From 2008-2019

    Jun 1, 2008
    Disgruntled Former STH - Fairweather Bandwaggoner
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I'm surprised that not one local media type has asked the glaringly obvious.

    Four time FIFA World Cup participant and current Houston Dynamo Captain DaMarcus Beasley has stated that the primary reason he is retiring this year is that he wants to win
    "“At the end of the day when you get older, you want to win,” Beasley told SBI ahead of Houston’s match against New York City FC on Thursday. “The fact that we haven’t had a lot of success with the Dynamo in the last 4-5 years, since I’ve been with the club, it takes a toll. It takes a toll, and that’s just me being 100, 1,000 percent honest."

    Has anyone seen any follow up from media or comments from the FO?
     
  19. Westside Cosmo

    Westside Cosmo Member+

    Oct 4, 2007
    H-Town
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    My guess is the local media (except for a few of the Dynamo bloggers) doesn't care or even know about those comments by Beasley and what would Jordan or Walker say of substance? Glenn Davis should ask it
     
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  20. naranjableeder

    naranjableeder Member+

    Houston Dynamo
    United States
    Jul 30, 2006
    In the Terraces
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Season tickets are an investment in entire season. I don't knock those who choose not to re-up.

    This was my first year in almost 10 of having season tickets and only because of the group I sit with have a decided to re-up for next year.
     
    TX Bill repped this.
  21. CeltTexan

    CeltTexan Member+

    Sep 21, 2000
    Houston, TX USA
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Correct.
    These men that are paid to report on sports in this city are not investing their professional expertise in reporting on a sport that is the most dominate sport on the planet. Most of this derives from the fact that they don't think association football is what it means to so many and since not knowing, tend to just shy away from growing more intimate with their own Dynamo team in town.
    We have the trophy room, past players that were stars in the league, regional recognition and owners that are Olyimpic gold medalists and NBA MVP. What more of an open door does a reporter need to get more connected to reporting on this team???
     
  22. nbrooks503

    nbrooks503 Previously Held @Dynamo Hostage From 2008-2019

    Jun 1, 2008
    Disgruntled Former STH - Fairweather Bandwaggoner
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Realistically the term "Media" for the Dynamo has a very loose definition.

    The majority of the people who report on the Dynamo are not print or broadcast types, they are unpaid blogger types who are beholden to the organization for access. For that reason they are generally averse to asking the kind of hard questions that a sports reporter in the UK would be asking for example.

    As for open doors, under the last coach administration the door was open for 15 minutes at every training and then just slightly ajar.

    As can be seen from the recent Chronicle articles on the club, the hard questions are answered deftly with the standard non-response. To really get an answer on the current vision of the club it would be necessary to ask ownership and the mysterious board what the direction of the club is.

    Reporter: "Fans are upset about the quality of the team, and the slow decline since 2012"
    FO: "We appreciate the passion of the fans, It shows the passion that exists and that soccer matters to a lot of people in this city"
    Reporter" " What measures are the Dynamo taking to improve things"
    FO: "We’ve heard a lot of good things from fans, as well as some areas where we need to do a better job, and we’re working on those. Obviously we know that not every decision will make every fan happy.”


    The reporter is of course asking the wrong person who only has control over business operations and the in stadium experience. It's an ideal situation as the is no-one in the two tiered organization who is actually responsible, they're given a budget and have to work within that budget

    It doesn't matter that the sport is the most dominant in the world - we are in Houston and people don't GAS.
     
  23. naranjableeder

    naranjableeder Member+

    Houston Dynamo
    United States
    Jul 30, 2006
    In the Terraces
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    While I agree with you.

    Soccer, Football, Futbol or whatever we want to call it is not the dominant sport here and that's all that matters unfortunately. Talking about the Texans, Rockets, and Astros are more popular and bring more attention than a team ran by shit owner's and producing shit on the field. Please understand it hurts me to say that last part, but I have to speak the truth.
     
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  24. CeltTexan

    CeltTexan Member+

    Sep 21, 2000
    Houston, TX USA
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Ah, but according to some, and specifically those that will benefit greatly, our city is looking to land North America2026 World Cup matches. Our media would be all in covering this event. An event returning to our nation. Our local civic leaders would love to be seen on camera at the Semis and Grand Final. So it really does matter when our local media go all in for the most dominant sport on our planet. If our city does not have media that gives a shit than life, World Cups and Olympics, will have those that run them, just pass our city by.
    I don't give a pass to our media professionals that will gladly cover the World Cup come 2026, be bothered to cover it for some unfortunately, and yet here in 2019 cannot do honest diligence for the team that says Houston on the chest.
     
  25. CeltTexan

    CeltTexan Member+

    Sep 21, 2000
    Houston, TX USA
    Club:
    Houston Dynamo
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    While I agree with you also amigo, and you are stating what we know already, how Texas rolls with it's sports...ya left out college gridiron, what needs to be done is put into perspective that yes, in Texas, here is the dominant sports most watch. But for sure the FO needs to be better at casting a bigger net to such a sports crazed community. In this effort, since the beautiful game has the innate ability to sell itself, by luring in newbies to association football in masses, the few that try it on for size might get bitten by the sport! Then these select few from various other sports and or other diversions in life, they end up digging on this "new" sport of soccer. Tell their friends about it. Perhaps like @Ethos become a soccer junkie. Enjoys their new passion in life and adds the Dynamo to their weekly routine!
     

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