Welcome to Dynamo Fan Recap.
This column will be written by a Houston Dynamo fan to give their point-of-view of attending Dynamo games whether it be at home or on the road.
First up is Web Tilton, who some may consider the Dynamo’s No. 1 fan. The 64-year-old is known by reporters, and Dynamo staff because of his presence at road games and practices.
Meet The Fan
Before you hear from the fan, get to know him.
How long have you been a Dynamo fan?
Since the first season. We went to a preseason game vs Real Salt Lake in Round Rock, Texas in March and I haven’t missed a home game since then. But before that, I’d been a Houston Hurricane fan in the late 70s.
How did you become a Dynamo fan?
When they announced season ticket sales in 2006 and we went to pick a seat day, then the jersey reveal at Kick Indoor Soccer.
Favorite Dynamo moment?
Either the first MLS Cup win in Frisco, Tx. in 2006 or the first game at BBVA Compass Stadium after waiting so long for a new stadium.
Dynamo Fan Recap
Before every Dynamo season opener, I’m always in my own world.I don’t care what the experts say, I know what I know.
My Houston Dynamo will go undefeated at BBVA Compass Stadium this season and will win MLS Cup. It’s up to the Dynamo to prove me wrong. Which they seldom do — on opening day.
Saturday was no exception. It wasn’t perfect, and in some ways, it was sort of a let-down, but still, we managed to stay undefeated and keep our optimism for the season. But first things first, my free Dynamo ball, then head to the Dynamo Team Store to get my hands on the new jersey.
My STH (Season Ticket Holder) discount covered the tax and a bit more, so I figured it was a steal.
After nabbing that sweet shirt I head to my seats, where the first really big change of 2019 hit me, in a good way. The Dynamo are back to warming up in front of me, on the south end.
Very happy that @HoustonDynamo has finally moved their warmups back to our half of the field! Everything is perfect again!! 🍊🧡 pic.twitter.com/xmugk0Wv6o
— Web 🕸 Tilton (@webtilton) March 2, 2019
I never understood the change to the north side but I’m glad they’re back. Better for me to keep an eye on their pregame warmups and who is starting and who is on the bench. It really helps with my team management.
As the official “balloon man™️” of section 228, I can sometimes judge crowd size by numbers of balloons I pass out pre-game. This one was deceiving.
When I started my section was practically empty, it was barely a 1 bag crowd. But it started to fill up, and soon enough needed a third bag. It was a late crowd, and not great for a home opener, but not bad after last season’s general disappointment.
The supporter’s tifo was fantastic and I especially liked the salute to Leo Ponce. He would have been embarrassed but honored. Dynamo fans truly miss him.
The game itself was full of highs and lows. Watching Alberth Elis is always worth the price of the ticket, and watching his defenders try to keep on their feet is just as much fun.
Watching our defensive mistakes that lead to goals isn’t as cool. And Dynamo goals without streamers will take some getting used to, but the smoke helps a bit. There was one streamer thrown in front of us after the goal, but as a tribute to MLS, it failed to unroll and landed on the field with a thud.
The goal that was called back in the 76th minute happened in front of me. It looked good, but before I could celebrate I saw the linesman’s flag raised so I held my breath.
I thought he would go look at the screen and rule in our favor, but, hey, it’s MLS.
No goal. No free gas*. Forget about it.
*The Houston Dynamo have an ongoing promotion during home games. If the team scores a goal in the 76th minute, eligible ticket holders get a Phillips 76 $40 gift card. Houston has yet to score in the 76th minute.*
So, in the end, not a completely satisfying game, but we still have our home undefeated record on Opening Day intact. Now it’s time to prepare for Tigres and CONCACAF Champions.
I hope our supporters have something big and are ready to counter what the fans from Monterrey always bring to BBVA. It will be a huge test for the team as well as all of its fans.
I think we’re both up to it.