After getting a point in the Texas Derby against Dallas, Dynamo FC needed to get three points against one of its bigger rivals, Sporting Kansas City. Coach Tab Ramos has been having some issues getting its squad in form and fit to play. He had to used midfielder Boniek Garcia as a center back and is using Colombian start Darwin Quintero just a few minutes coming from the bench.
SKC, on the other hand, came to this match wanting to get points in Texas to remain in the top spots. The team coached by Peter Vermes just beat MLS newcomer Austin FC at home and were determined to continue with the good results.
Courtesy of SKC
The first half started with Houston playing fast in offense and pressuring KC at midfield. They closed all spaces for the visitors, who wanted to control the possession of the ball. Therefore, by recovering the ball fast, it helped the Orange to create many chances to score. Fafa Picault was the player responsible to go deep in the offensive transition along with Maxi Urruti and Memo Rodriguez. Even though they gave many problems to the Sporting defensive side lead by Spaniard Andreu Fontas and goalkeeper John Pulskamp, who had a great match, the home team was not able to open the scoreboard.
The away side tried to have long possession, but looked so predictable, especially in offense. Also, Mexican Alan Pulido and Gianluca Busio were not in their night. Pulido barely had real chances to open the scoreboard and Busio -due to the pressure by the home team – was not able to help create in offense. These all led to a scoreless match at the half.
The second half started by Sporting Kansas City attacking Houston, but the home team took the lead via Maxi Urruti at the 56’ when Derrick Jones, who had an putstading performance on Wednesday night, recovered the ball at midfield and passed the ball to the Argentine, who faced Pulskamp in a one-on-one situation and beat the visitor goalkeeper for the 1-0.
Cpurtesy of Houston Dynamo FC
After the goal, SKC started pressuring even more a Dynamo team that was looking solid in defense. Especially after Honduras defender Maynor Figueroa was sub in at half time. The Orange took advantage of the spaces Kansas City was leaving when they were attacking and used their speed in the counte- attack to create chances as the one they had when at the 75’ Picault had another one-on-one situation, but he missed the chance to double the lead after his shot went wide.
After the 90 minutes, Houston got the win and the three points against a complicated rival and got another victory at home, which is something important for the Dynamo.
The Orange now will travel to face Colorado Rapids on May 15th whereas a day after, Sporting Kansas City will host the Vancouver Whitecaps.
