Houston Dynamo Earn Three Points, First Clean Sheet Against Columbus Crew

Mauro Manotas paved the way early, but the defense shined in the Dynamo’s 2-0 win

By Edson J. Ochoa

Houston, TX – Unfazed by their first loss of the season last week against the LA Galaxy, the Houston Dynamo continue to show that they are a force to be reckoned with this season after defeating the Columbus Crew 2-0 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The Dynamo looked from the first whistle that they were determined to impose their tactics on the field, pressuring Columbus Crew deep in their own territory.

This tactic quickly paid dividends as the Dynamo found themselves ahead after only three minutes into the match.

Alberth Elis pressured Lalas Aboubakar, causing the Crew defender to lose possession of the ball, giving Elis plenty of space to counter.

Elis dribbles the ball towards the endline and sends a cross over to Mauro Manotas, who manages to make contact with the ball and his shot slowly creeps inside the net for the first goal of the night.

The fans at BBVA had not yet finished celebrating when the Dynamo had another opportunity on goal.

Mauro Manotas takes a shot from outside the box in the 4th minute that Columbus goalkeeper Zack Steffen dives to keep it out of goal.

Columbus tried to cause some damage on Joe Willis‘ goal, but the defense, led by Maynor Figueroa and Kiki Struna, were able to contain Gyasi Zardes and company.

The Dynamo kept the one goal lead into halftime, but the team continued to press looking to extend the lead in the second half.

In the 52nd minute, Memo Rodriguez executes a free kick that ends up striking the crossbar.

2 minutes later, the Dynamo finally find their second goal of the night thanks to Tomás Martínez.

After Zack Steffen blocks a shot from Mauro Manotas, the rebound lands at the feet of Martinez who sends a rocket into the net impossible for Steffen to react to.

Columbus had a dangerous opportunity in the 78th minute from a corner kick as Justin Meram sent a cross that curved dangerously into the goal, but Joe Willis was able to react to push it over the crossbar.

In the end, the Dynamo were able to earn their first clean sheet of the season and are now looking forward to hosting FC Dallas in the Texas Derby next Saturday.

We’ve obviously been winning a lot of games, but getting the clean sheet is big for our confidence. The defenders were incredible today. It was a real team effort today to get the win. Hopefully, we can keep the momentum rolling into next Saturday.

Joe Willis – Houston Dynamo goalkeeper

After the match, coach Wilmer Cabrera praised the team for their efforts in maintaining the clean sheet and noted that this team is striving to maintain a consistency in play style this season no matter where they play.

I think we came out with personality. We haven’t changed. We don’t want to change. Winning, losing, or tying, we have to be the solid. We have to be the same and we are trying to incorporate the way that we have to play the game. The same way, at home or away.

Wilmer Cabrera – Houston Dynamo head coach

With tonight’s win, the Dynamo are now in 5th place in the Western Conference with 5 wins, a draw, and a loss. They will look to continue their run of form next week against FC Dallas at home.

Photo credit: Annie Lagos