Houston Top Real Sociedad in Dynamo Charities Cup

Dynamo’s and Real Sociedad gather with the Houston Charities Cup

The Dynamo Charities Cup took place at BBVA Compass Stadium on Tuesday where Houston hosted La Liga team Real Sociedad.

The exhibition match ended 3-3 in regulation. Therefore, penalty kicks were needed for the first time in the history of this tournament to decide this year’s champion.

Real Sociedad, which just finished the season in La Liga two weeks ago finishing 9^th in the standings, showed up into the Space City with its full roster. The Spaniard midfielders Granero and Illaramedi, the Argentine Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, and the Mexican attacker Carlos Vela were among the players that fans were excited to see play on a hot and humid evening in Houston.

Houston used an unusual squad. Players that haven’t seen much action during the MLS season had a chance to show their game. Dynamo showed speed and determination throughout the match. That paid off in the 22^nd minute when Rocha scored for the host team. Nine minutes later La Real defender Gonzalez scored an own goal to give the lead to the Texan team. Even though Real Sociedad had some clear chances, that Dynamo’s goalkeeper Deric made the saves, keeping the score 2-0 at the half.

The team in Orange continued attacking the Spanish team at the beginning of the second half. As a result, in the 49^th minute, Manotas scored again for Houston, which gave them the 3-0 lead.

After that, Houston became too relaxed on the field, and let Real Sociedad have control of the football. This led the La Liga team to score twice in 4 minutes. In the 55^th minute Prieto put the 3-1 and on the 59^th Bautista score the 3-2. The last goal of regulation came on at the 73^rd minute when Pardo tied the score.

Being 3-3 at the end of regulation, penalty kicks were required. Houston ended up winning 5-4 to keep the trophy at home.

This is the 8^th year that the Dynamo Charities Cup has taken place. The home team has won it five times. Real Sociedad was the second La Liga team that has played in this competition. The first was Valencia back in 2012. That time Houston lost 2-1.

There is no time for rest, the Dynamos are now focused on their upcoming MLS match as they will travel north of the boarder to face the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday 28^th.