Houston Dynamo 3-New York City FC 1
On a night where Houston was honoring and remember the victims of the Santa Fe High School shooting, which took place last week, the Orange gave those in attendance a chance to smile and take their minds off of more serious matters by New York City FC in an entertaining 3-1 win.
The match was very level in every sector of the field. The Dynamo used a high-pressure strategy, but New York’s counterattacks were causing many problems to the home team’s back line.
The citizens created some chances to score throughout the game via Maxi Moralez, who connected with David Villa in many occasions. The Spaniard, who is playing at a high level, is definitively one of the best players in the league. And yes, Villa showed up at the 6th minute when his shot inside the box beat Houston’s goalkeeper Joe Willis.
After the goal, not much changed as far as strategy or game plan for both teams. Houston was attacking the sides of New York whereas the visitors were defending in blocks and used counterattacks as their main source in offense.
The Orange tied the scored at the 21st minute when Alejandro Fuenmayor scored of a corner kick for the partial 1-1 at the half.
The second half had the same dynamic as the first one. The Dynamo was looking to get another goal to get a win at home, and New York seemed comfortable with the point they were taking back to the Big Apple. But the pressure and effort of the home team paid off at the 69th minute when Tomas Martinez shot gave the lead to the Dynamo.
Houston, who has not been able to hold on their leads in many matches throughout the season, wanted to score a third goal to seal the victory on Friday night. And sure enough, they did. With his seventh goal of the season, Alberth ‘La Panterita’ Elis scored the final 3-1 in the 8oth minute to give the three points to Houston.
Now the Dynamo, who will be traveling west to face Real Salt Lake in their next match, is in fourth place in the West with 18 points. On the other hand, New York City, which will host Orlando City in their next match, remains with 24 points in the East.
Editor’s Note: All photos are courtesy of Jose Castellanos
Houston Dynamo
