Houston Dynamo remains unbeaten at home, but this time, they were not able to get a win as it has been their normal this 2023. The 0-0 final score against Real Salt Lake seemed a little unfair for the home team that battled throughout the match to get another victory in front of their home crowd.
For the away team, winning a point was a great deal for them to remain fighting in the middle of the standings to get into a playoff spot.
The Utah team had some chances to get a goal, but Dynamo’s goalkeeper Steve Clark had a great performance and along with a good defensive effort from his teammates, they got another clean sheet at home this season.
The match was pretty much close for the entire ninety minutes, with some isolated chances of scoring by both teams. However, Dynamo had the better chances in the match. During the first half, Coco Carrasquilla, Corey Baird and Amine Bassi combined to create some chances for the Oranges, but the goal did not arrive. The second half for the home team had the same script as the first one. But, during the second 45’ they struggled way more to find clear chances to open the score.
Dynamo’s coach Ben Olsen made some changes, but they did not have the impact the team and fans were hoping for.
One thing that was notable was the defensive effort by both teams. Houston announced just before the match that Teenage Hadebe suffered a leg injury that required surgery and that he will be out for at least 6 regular season matches. Because of this, Dynamo included on the starting XI Micael as a left back. This was the first MLS match for the Brazilian, who had a good match. Along with Bartlow, Escobar, and Steres, the Orange defense looked strong at all times.
In offense, Houston this season has been trying to create superiority in their midfield and from there finding opportunities to score. They did it in this match, but they missed the last touch to open the score.
On the Other side, Salt Lake emphasized its game plan in having order in all sections of the field. They looked satisfied with a point. However, they tried to take advantage of the few opportunities they had to score the goal that would have given them the victory.
After the 0-0 now Houston will have to face Sporting KC at home in the Open, just before they host Seattle Sounders. RSL will travel to Portland to face the Timbers in the Open Cup, before they return home to host LAFC.
