Houston Dynamo 4- Atlanta United 0
The home opener for Houston could not have been better, they took care of business in the first half, where they outplayed an Atlanta team that struggled in every sector of the pitch.
United’s superstar Miguel Almiron was lost on Saturday and was not able to connect with newly acquired USMNT midfielder Darlington Nagbe, who came out on the second half due to his low performance. On the other hand, Houston starting eleven surprised more than one. They played with a 4-2-3-1 formation. A little different than last season. With this, Dynamo’s coach Wilmer Cabrera wanted to control the midfield using two defensive midfielders as well as applying pressure to Atlanta in every side of the field.
The Orange scored fast in the match as Andrew Wenger’s shot hit the back of the net in the fifth minute. In the 23rd minute, Phillipe Senderos, who had an exceptional game on defense, headed the ball for the 2-0. Only four minutes later, Mauro Manotas, scored the 3-0. Yes, 27 minutes was all the Dynamo needed to score and then control the rest of the game. However, there was another goal. Salvadorian Darwin Ceren, who was debuting with the team, scored the fourth goal after a huge mistake by goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Atlanta had their chances in the beginning of the second half, but everything was going downhill for them. Almiron missed a penalty kick, which could have been the 4-1. After that, the United had the possession of the ball. However, they were not having a good performance as they were missing simple passes, crosses and so on. Dynamo goalkeeper Chris Seitz, who was debuting with the team as well, had a solid and relatively easy afternoon.
Now, Houston Dynamo will play Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday March 10, whereas Atlanta will have their home opener on Sunday March 11 when they host D.C. United.
Editor’s Note: All photos are courtesy of Jose Castellanos
Houston Dynamo
Atlanta United
