Dynamo beat Galaxy on Saturday night to remain undefeated at home. This was an impressive 3-0 win for Houston that won its third home match in a row. Amine Bassi was the star of the match after scoring two goals (his fourth and fifth goals of the season) to remain as the best offensive player for the Orange.
Houston was always in control of the match. The defense stopped the visitor’s offense as well as the midfield lead by Artur controlled the rhythm and times of the game. Also, the versatile and fast offensive trio create some chances to open the score. Even though they had some chances, the team was struggling in their last touch and could not finish the plays.
Galaxy had some chances, but were not able to score as well as the home team. The visitors saw an opportunity to score the first goal of the night after they were awarded a penalty kick at the 23rd minute. However, the call was overturned following a VAR review.
The first goal of the night came in at the 35’. Houston captain Hector Herrera took a free kick just outside the box, His shot beat Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann and with that the home side took the 1-0 lead.
The second time, Galaxy tried to be more aggressive in offense. Coach Greg Vanney made some offensive substitutions including the return of ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, who was out about five months due to an injury.
Even though there were offensive substitutions, Galaxy never found themselves on offense. Riqui Puig, Joveljic, Diego Costa, and even Chicharito himself looked confused and never could coordinate in the last third to create clear chances to score the equalizer.
Dynamo doubled the lead after a penalty kick was awarded via VAR at the 65th minute. Amine Bassi converted from the spot to give his side a 2-0 partial score. Also, while the referee was reviewing the foul inside the box at the VAR screen, Galaxy defender Martin Caceres interfered with the review. Because of this, the Uruguayan saw his second yellow card of the match and with that, Galaxy had to play with 10 man the rest of the match.
Houston scored again at the 73rd minute when Bassi’s shot inside the box beat Klinsmann again for the final 3-0 score.
After the 90th minute, the referee added six minutes of stoppage time, which was unnecessary because of the score of the match at that point. However, things got heated up and Hector Herrera saw a red card after a foul on Chicharito at the 93rd minute. Also, three minutes later and after an altercation between Brooklyn Raines and Diego Costa, the Brazilian Costa saw another red card just before the referee’s whistle at the end of the game.
Dynamo now will travel to New York to face the Red Bulls, where they will battle to finally get some points on the road. On the other hand, the Galaxy will host LAFC in another edition of ‘El Trafico’.
(Editor’s Note: For more of Miguel Garcia’s photos of the match, please click on the link.)
