Dynamo proved to be sharp out of the gate. They were physical and showed the Red Bulls that they wouldn’t be intimidated by New York’s strong offensive attack. In the 5th minute, the Dynamo would have their best chance to score in the first 5 minutes, as Houston would have a beautiful set piece in the box, but Erick Torres would be inadvertently pushed, and would be down for a couple of minutes but would be okay. Bradley Wright-Phillips would put the Red Bulls on top 1-0 with a great move in the box and would put a rocket past Dynamo Goalkeeper Tyler Deric. Though a minute later, the Houston Dynamo’s Dylan Remick would receive a beautiful setup from Alex and would head it in to knot the game up at 1. Both team’s offenses would turn up the heat on the defenses, as both teams would execute penetration into the other team’s box. Dynamo would have their best opportunity when was on a through ball attempt from Cubo Torres to Midfielder Andrew Wenger, but Wenger was called offside. Not too long after, Cubo Torres would bend it like only he could on a penalty kick and put the Dynamo on top 2-1. The first 45 would end after Dynamo Goalkeeper would get kicked in the face by Derrick Ettienne. Dynamo would head into the locker room up 2-1.
The Dynamo came out of the locker room to not have another letdown like they did last game in Portland. The physicality continued out of the locker rooms between the two teams. However, the second half, the referees decided not to swallow the whistles. The Dynamo did not sit back and try to play strict defense. The Dynamo came out attacking, knowing that no lead is safe. Especially a 2-1 lead. The Dynamo would fire a barrage of shots, and one would finally go through as Erick Torres would rifle one through the outstretched arms of Goalkeeper for the Red Bulls Luis Robles for his 2nd goal of the game. The Dynamo would add more offense to the lineup, as usual starting Midfielder Alberth Elis would enter the game, to try and help Houston’s offense extend the 3-1 lead. The Dynamo would continue to attack the Red Bulls defense. Houston would constantly put pressure on Luis Robles as Houston would have 6 more shots on goal through the 76-minute mark. In the 89th minute, Cubo Torres would set his career high for goals in a game when he would get the hat trick. 3 goals. Cubo would rifle a free kick past Robles to put the icing on of the cake here at BBVA Compass Stadium. The Red Bulls would never make any real threat in the Houston zone, and the Dynamo would make up for the 2nd half collapse in Portland two weeks. The final whistle would sound, and the Dynamo pick up another win at home, winning 4-1. The win brings the Dynamo’s record to 3-1 on the season, and they remain perfect here at BBVA Compass Stadium going to 3-0 at home.
The main story of this game was the Dynamo’s hustle, aggressiveness, and smart play by the team. Wilmer Cabrera said after the game that the primary focus of the team during the week was to “work.” Also, that they weren’t themselves in the second half against Portland. The player of the game has to be Cubo Torres. His first career hat trick ever, according to Torres. The Dynamo are in New England next week. Their next home game is April 15th against Minnesota. Until then, have a great week everybody!
