Dynamo midfielder Tommy McNamara (11) crosses the ball into the box.

Three observations from the Dynamo’s 2-0 loss to Tigres in CONCACAF Champions

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HOUSTON – Two second-half goals in the span of three minutes sunk the Houston Dynamo against Tigres 2-0 in Tuesday’s CONCACAF Champions match.

Here are three observations from the match.

Tigres quality on display

For 77 minutes, it looked like the Houston Dynamo would leave Leg 1 of their CONCACAF Champions match against Tigres with a draw.

A more than solid result considering that Liga MX side controlled most of the game and would have had the lead if not for two incredible Joe Willis saves.

But then Tigres roared, much like more than half of the 16, 890 in attendance at BBVA Compass Stadium who donned the Tigres yellow and blue, their quality and technique took over.

Enner Valencia and Julian Quinones assisted on each other’s goals, 78th and 81st minute, during a three-minute span and the Dynamo defense could do little to stop it.

Defense stands tall — for 77 minutes

The Houston defense, which was missing Kiki Struna who was out with flu-like symptoms, made things difficult for Tigres. The Liga MX six-time champions found it difficult to break down the Orange defense.

The 36-year-old DaMarcus Beasley and 34-year-old Boniek Garcia turn back the clock and were stellar on the pitch. Beasley, in particular, held his own against Quinones and the likes of Eduardo Vargas and Enner Valencia.

Garcia was a stud in midfield breaking up plays and recovering balls left and right.

Between the sticks, Joe Willis stood on his head. The 6’5 ‘keeper made two saves, one each in the first half that kept the game nil-nil. Including a 1v1 with Valencia.

Dynamo depth or lack thereof

It’s only the fourth game of the year and the depth question that has pestered the Dynamo before is being questioned again.

And with good reason.

Houston’s offseason acquisitions weren’t spectacular but they also flew under the radar when compared to other MLS teams. The Dynamo picked up Tommy McNamara and Marlon Hairston to help bolster the attack.

The early returns say McNamara — who went the full 90 in place of an injured Tomas Martinez — and Hairston will be a boost this season. McNamara has shown small flashes of creativity and should only get more comfortable as the season goes on.

Hairston seems to be a like-for-like backup for either Alberth Elis or Romell Quioto. The plus on Hairston is he can play right-back or right-wing back in a pinch.

They also signed Matias Veras and Struna, the former a defensive midfielder and the latter a centerback.

But even with those new additions, it seems the Dynamo still don’t have the necessary quality depth to compete in these types of tournaments — with top-notch quality opponents — while also dealing with the MLS season.