HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 4, 2019) – Going into this weekend’s Texas Derby match, the Houston Dynamo were undefeated in league play at home (4-0-1), albeit with a relatively easy schedule. On Saturday afternoon, Mauro Manotas and company welcomed Santiago Mosquera and FC Dallas to BBVA Compass Stadium.
Texas Derby: Mauro Manotas Brace Leads Houston Dynamo Past FC Dallas
FC Dallas has the ball for most of the match but had trouble creating danger with it. Despite playing on the road, they surpassed Houston in possession nearly two to one. Houston maintained their defensive shape and looked to counter to score goals.
The home side got on the board in the 20th minute of a penalty. Alberth Elis tried to dribble through the defense in the box when he was taken down by Jose Luis Gonzalez. Gonzalez was given a yellow card. Center striker Mauro Manotas stepped up and snuck the ball underneath goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez to score.
Houston made it 2-0 in the 58th minute with some quick passing in transition. Elis made a great pass to Memo Rodriguez out wide. Rodrigeuz passed the ball to Manotas, who directed the ball with his first touch up under the bar and to the side of Gonzalez.
Dallas made a game of it in the 87th minute. Michael Barrios created some space to send a cross into the box. Substitute Dominique Badji beat everyone to the ball and tapped it into the back of the net.
With seven minutes of stoppage time, Santiago Mosquera beat everyone to a cross on a set piece and scored to tie the game but was called offside.
End ➡ End #ForeverOrange | #HOUvDAL https://t.co/O4etJrVXvt
— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) May 4, 2019
Three Takeaways:
Houston counter attack: The Dynamo counter attack helped create two goals and continues to be a force against any possession team.
Missing Paxton: Paxton Pomykal was unavailable for this game and it showed. Dallas had lots of possession but trouble creating true danger until the final minutes.
Late game heroics not enough: Speaking of last minute chances, Dallas did find themselves in the final minutes. The 90 minutes wasn’t always pretty and it ultimately wasn’t enough with Mosquera’s goal called back.
