(Photo Credit: Stanley Simons/ The SkyBoat)
Houston hoped to get off to a quick start and score some quick goals.
In the first few minutes of the game, Houston was very aggressive. In the 3rd minute, Dynamo caught a break after a beautiful cross from forward Mauro Manotas to forward Alberth Elis which was almost intercepted, but instead, was deflected by Real Salt Lake defender Justin Schmidt into the back of RSL’s net for a Dynamo goal to make it 1-0. Not far after, Houston would strike again. In the 15th minute, midfielder Alex would hit a spectacular kick into the back of RSL’s net to extend Houston’s lead to 2-0 in the first half. The next 44 minutes though would be back and forth with both defenses playing stout and not allowing any goals. Right before the half though, Houston would widen their lead even more. In the 45th minute, Manotas would strike a shot from the upper left of the box. That goal would put the deficit at 3 for Real Salt Lake and would put an end to the 1st half. It has been noted though that the Dynamo have always been a superb 1st half team this season, but they have only been able to put together 2 complete halves only once this season (against Orlando City). The Dynamo look to come out and be aggressive from the opening kick in the 2nd half.
The 2nd half started with 3 quick goal opportunities in the first 3 minutes. One from Alberth Elis and the other 2 from forward Erick “Cubo” Torres, though neither opportunities were successful. In the 52nd minute, that aggressiveness would finally pay off, and the Dynamo would eventually break through. On a Dynamo breakout, Elis would get into the box and send a nice touch pass to Cubo who would tap it in from inches from the goal for his 10th goal of the season. The play would start to get physical over the next few minutes, as a yellow card would be issued to both teams. Midfielder Omar Holness (Sunny) would earn one for Real Salt Lake, and midfielder Juan David Cabezas would obtain one for the Dynamo. As the half went on the two teams would put their subs in. Houston would bring in their defensive subs, and Real Salt Lake would bring in subs hoping to benefit their offense. In the 63rd minute, midfielder Boniek Garcia would send in a beautiful set piece into the box, and defender Leonardo would do the rest. Leonardo would head one into the back of the net to put the icing on the proverbial cake here in Houston. The lead ballooned to 5-1 at that point, and it all be pretty much over. Real Salt Lake would need 2 miracles and a half to get back into this one. Houston would end up blowing out Real Salt Lake 5-1 here at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Houston showed the same aggressiveness it did against Orlando City, and it ended up in very dominant play in the 2nd half. One of the main questions, when this team is talked about, is can they show more effort on the road? I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. This team has the firepower to be one of the top 3 teams in MLS. Their only kryptonite is the road games. If the effort on the road can be turned up a few more notches, Dynamo is more than capable of picking up a few w’s on the road. Wilmer Cabrera had a few key things to say after the game also. When asked if the team had any extra confidence after the match against FC Dallas on Friday, Wilmer responded by saying that there was no extra confidence because the team still kept the game in perspective. He also said that the team needs to start the recovery process for Sunday’s game. Stated that the humidity affected every player tonight. Indicated that it’s nothing big that the team stands alone in first place after Wednesday’s win. Stated that DaMarcus Beasley was lost for tonight’s game due to the FIFA break. Noted that all Dynamo international players will play Sunday.
Dynamo moves to 7-0-1 at home. Houston’s next game is Sunday, June 4th against the defending champions Seattle Sounders FC at 9 pm Central time.
