Dane’s Chance To Shine

The slower – than – a – tortoise start to the season is not all attributable to the lack of reinforcements; many of the teams most dependable players have yet to arrive for 2009 (figuratively speaking of course).

Starting from the top, team Captain Juan Pablo Angel is a touch off this season. He hasn’t been able to work off of the very few balls he has been fed, nor has he been able to inspire a dangerous attack up top. If anyone is capable of it, its JPA; just look back to the playoffs last year. The proof is in the pudding.

But today, I want to discuss another dependable piece to the lineup that desperately needs a turn-around-the-season type game – Dane Richards. Dane has been one of only two players that have consistently been a fixture to the lineup (the other being the aforementioned Capitano). Each and every week, barring injuries or personal issues, Richards is always the spark on the right hand side that the team turns to when all else fails. Last season, it became predictable at points; when things went rough, they started looking towards Dane to disrupt the defense.

This season, Dane has started off on a much quieter foot. “The Express Lane” Dane has looked more like “Which Way To Go” Richards. I mean, keep things in context; it is only the fourth game of the season, and surely players are still getting acclimated. But Richards is such a vital cog to the system that even a temporary absence of his skill can be devastating. After three games, Richards is yet to register a true shot on goal, nor can I personally recall a time where he sprung a dangerous play, or overtook a defender ala typical Express Lane style.

That can all change this week.

Meet Wade Barrett.

Wade Barrett is a perennial anchor for the Houston defense. He is the teams captain, leader and inspiration. The fans love him, his teammates feel likewise. He is one of the most respected players in the league.

And he is also considered to be ‘The Great Danes’ . . . . ahem . . . . ‘female dog.’

Many of the best have had a person or people in their lives that tests your talent and character to the extreme. Ali was pushed by Frazier. The Red Sox were pushed by the Yankees. And so to does Dane Richards push Wade Barrett (and sometimes, vice versa). The problem for Houston is, Dane Richards almost always wins the battle. And when Barrett folds up, so too does the Dynamo defense (refer yourself to the most recent example; the 2008 playoffs).

A classic battle for domination, Dane Richards will do much for his own confidence and for his starting position in putting down Barrett as he has always been known to do. Even leading into last seasons playoff games, Dane showed a bit of bravado to the media, pointing out how he would abuse that Houston defense, which was a clear shot at Barrett. His exact words? “I am going to run that left back into the ground.” And he did; he responded with a goal and an assist to lead the Bulls past Houston.

Will Saturday be history repeating? Dane’s opportunity to quell the naysayers is here. But can he do his part to shut them all up? What do you think?

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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