The Houston Dynamo were given a golden opportunity to get within 3 points of a playoff spot on Saturday. The Philadelphia Union had gotten a draw at home against New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC and Chicago Fire would also draw, and the Houston Dynamo went into the half with a two goal lead. For the first time in a long time the stars were aligned for a major step towards the playoffs.

However, if this season has taught us anything, the Houston Dynamo would find a way to let it all slip by. Houston would enter the second half as another team.

Even though Oscar Boniek Garcia would be forced to leave the field due to an injury, there was still a two goal lead. However, things started going downhill quickly; not only would Columbus score in the 48th and 54th minutes of the game in order to tie it all up, but the Dynamo would sub out their 2014 team MVP candidate Brad Davis early on.

While everybody on the stands and at home asked themselves why Davis was being subbed out, the expression on Davis’ face also led us to believe he was asking himself the same exact thing.

It wasn’t until after the game that we found out that Brad Davis was subbed out due to a coach’s decision. Obviously, one of our Houston Dynamo beat writers pressed Dominic Kinnear for an answer on what led him to make such a decision. Well, I’m sorry to break it to you but that was not the case.

Which leaves us with one solid question, why was Brad Davis subbed out? Brad Davis was so dumbfounded by the call that reports indicate he didn’t even remove the captain’s armband. All we can do is hope that this does not affect Brad Davis’ attitude for the rest of the season.

Speaking of the rest of our season, let’s dive into some arithmetic in order to find out how deep of a hole we have dug ourselves into now:

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The current playoffs pace is at 45 points. Houston will win out in almost any tiebreak scenario, since the first tiebreaker are number of victories. No scenario gets Houston to 45 points without finishing with more wins than their opponents.

Orange in the Oven originally stated that Houston needed to win out at home and get 3 points on the road. Due to the 2 points we dropped at home, another road victory will now likely be needed.

Houston Dynamo must win their final three home games.

2 victories from final 4 road games will most likely be a requirement for a spot in the playoffs.

Toronto FC has been winless in six games.

Houston’s next opponent the Philadelphia Union will play a mid-week game. That game is the final of the U.S. Open Cup.

The Houston Dynamo will most likely need a win in their final game of the season at Chicago in order to make the playoffs.

TL;DR Houston needs 5 victories from their final 7 games.

That’s our current playoffs situation. In all honesty it isn’t all that difficult to understand. I can write about playoff points pace, and places where we have a better chance at picking up road victories. However, in the end it’s as simple as the Houston Dynamo needing 5 victories from their final 7 games. It really won’t matter if those are victories at home or away. If they cannot pick up at least those results, they have no chance at the playoffs.