Flashes of what can be. That’s what the 3-3 draw between the Houston Dynamo and New England Revolution showed us on Sunday afternoon at BBVA Compass Stadium.
For the Houston Dynamo, a win to kick off a new era in the franchise’s short history would’ve been perfect. After falling 1-nil down in the 3rd minute of the match, the Dynamo showed a valiant effort to turn the tables on the Revolution. That is until a 93rd minute header from Daigo Kobayashi put a bittersweet end to their plans.
For the New England Revolution, the last minute goal salvaged a a point on the road. That 3rd minute goal was another nothing turned into brilliance moment provided by 21-year-old Diego Fagundez. If this first goal is any indication, the Uruguayan is about to have a big 2016. Daigo Kobayashi’s impact on the game showed us the depth the Revs can count on this year.
Houston Dynamo will have a quick turnaround, facing off against in-state rival FC Dallas at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday (7:30 p.m. CT). New England Revolution will face off against a heated rival of it’s own in their home opener with D.C. United at Gillette Stadium on Saturday (3:00 p.m. ET).
What they said:
Houston Dynamo Head Coach Owen Coyle
“I thought that it was an electric start to the season in respect to the quality of both teams. It is tough since we didn’t win the match. I think we put so much into it, to come back from an early goal and to be fair to the lads, there was a lot of transfers [in the offseason]…I think that for long periods today we were definitely the team in the ascendency. So there is a lot to be pleased about. Obviously, the main concern now is one or two knocks that come from it, which happens in the game. Hopefully those injuries will be okay. In terms of their effort or quality that the players put in, I was absolutely delighted with that. ”
Houston Dynamo Forward Giles Barnes (Team Captain)
“I mentioned it after the fans are incredible. They will come out and be the 12th man from minute one to minute 95. They also stayed after to thank us so we thought that it was good for us to go out and show our appreciation as well. Obviously, it was the opener of the season but they are here week in and week out through thick and thin. So I would like to say thank you to them again.”
Houston Dynamo Midfielder Cristian Maidana
“I’m happy that I scored. Personally, I think I had a good game. I think that I still need to do more for the club. I’m sad that we didn’t pick up the three points. We needed to hang on just a little more at the end but that’s soccer. We lost our focus and then came their goal. It’s okay, the team played well, we had opportunities to score and I think we should of won but that’s soccer.”
New England Revolution Head Coach Jay Heaps
“That’s not how you draw it up. Back and forth game. I thought both teams had some really stuff, but unfortunately I didn’t think we were at our best. And at times I thought Houston did a good job punishing us, but in the end I liked our belief and we fought until the last whistle and were able to get a point.”
New England Revolution MF Diego Fagundez
“From the first start we said we wanted to have high pressure. Jose [Goncalves] gave a long ball, once the ball was in the air I was trying to get the second ball. Part of the game plan. Once I saw the ball and took a touch, the first thing I thought was to take a shot. Took a shot and saw the ball going in and it felt good, because it one on those things that you work so hard every day in training to try and score these goals. When you get a chance and you actually finish it, it’s great.”
Notes of interest
- Giles Barnes made his 100th career regular-season appearance with Houston Dynamo
- Dynamo lineup featured three offseason signings as starters: Janil Anibaba, Andrew Wenger and Cristian Maidana
- Dynamo GK Tyler Deric missed the season opener due to a continuing abdominal injury; GK Joe Willis started in his first season opener
- With six total goals, it was the highest-scoring opening day in Dynamo history since a total of seven goals were scored in the club’s 5-2 win over the Colorado Rapids in its inaugural match on April 2, 2006.
