Houston, Texas (July 4, 2019) — In a midweek clash, the New York Red Bulls travelled to BBVA Compass stadium to face the Houston Dynamo. A strong team at home, the Dynamo played past the Red Bulls to win 4-0. Coming off a win, the Red Bulls fall flat.
Some Lineup Rotation
Defender Michael Amir Murillo made the starting lineup for New York fresh from his run in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Meanwhile, strikers Tom Barlow and Brian White joined forces up top, joined by Andreas Ivan. With another match in four days against Atlanta United, Daniel Royer and Alejandro Kaku Romero Gamarra were on the bench. Bradley Wright-Phillips, still recovering from injury, also began the evening on the bench.
Dynamo Attack From Opening Whistle
In the opening quarter hour, the Dynamo relied on their home field advantage. The ball remained near captain goalkeeper Luis Robles. The New York Ironman punched away a free kick just outside the box in the 20th minute. Houston forward Mauro Manotas made several runs on goal and the Dynamo were able to stretch the Red Bulls.
He broke through in the 40th minute to open the scoring. New York’s best chance of the first half came in the 35th minute. Defender Kyle Duncan brought the ball up the left channel and Barlow’s shot had to be saved by Dynamo goalkeeper Joe Willis. While the Red Bulls made another advance on goal, they were still a goal down at halftime.
91st MINUTE, pres. by @YanmarAmerica: Sean Davis on loss to Houston.#RBNY pic.twitter.com/xLrS5zUc3l
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) July 4, 2019
Increased physicality
The second half brought chippy play from a Houston team determined to increase their lead. In the 55th minute, a laser shot from Tomas Martinez doubled their lead. Red Bulls manager Chris Armas sent in attacking threat Alejandro “Kaku” Romero Gamarra immediately after.
He tried to make in immediate impact, but he could not pull one back for New York. Meanwhile, Dynamo midfielder Alberth Elis made the third Houston goal in the 72nd minute. In stoppage time, Elis earned his brace with a second goal. Also, Murillo was sent from the match following his second yellow card in the 83rd minute.
Despite bringing out Royer and Wright-Phillips, the Red Bull attack remained quiet. They missed out on points ahead of their rematch against Atlanta. Murillo and Kaku will be suspended for the next match.
What’s Next?
The Red Bulls hit the road once against for a contest against Atlanta United FC. Both teams are coming off a loss, as Atlanta was recently walloped by the Chicago Fire, 5-1, on Wednesday.
The match will begin at 2 p.m. EST on Sunday.