When his team most needed it, Tyler Deric got hot.

The Houston Dynamo goalkeeper had a sparkling October, and as a result was named Alcatel MLS Player of the Month for October.

Deric, 29, made three MLS regular season appearances in October, allowing just one goal in that span as the Dynamo went 2-0-1, going from an uncertain Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs prospect to ensuring qualification in the postseason for the first time since 2013 and a home game in the Knockout Round.

Of particular note, the Homegrown goalkeeper had a crucial two-game stretch in the regular season against Sporting KC. After allowing a goal in the first meeting between the teams, but helping Houston win 2-1 at home, the teams met again days later in Kansas City, with Deric making seven saves in a 0-0 draw. Under siege for much of the match, his stops were at times of the spectacular variety, including a save around a rival player on the goal line deep in second-half stoppage time.

Following the two-game set, Deric helped Houston to a 3-0 Decision Day win against the Chicago Fire. In all, Deric made 15 saves in the regular season games.

And while the vote was conducted prior to Thursday's Knockout Round win for Houston against Sporting KC, Deric continued his fine form in the month of October in that match, posting a shutout in 120 minutes in a 1-0 Dynamo win and making six saves to help his team progress to the Western Conference semifinals.

Deric and Houston are next in action on Monday, when they host Portland in the first leg of the semifinals (9:30 pm ET | FS1; TVAS, TSN GO in Canada).

The Alcatel MLS Player of the Month is voted upon by a panel of select national media members in a process conducted by MLS Communications.