Dynamo lost more than a match on Saturday night against Sporting KC. This was a big opportunity to get a victory at home against a conference rival knowing that a victory was letting the Texans get into playoffs spots in the West.
Sporting Kansas City played a smart match where they emphasize their game by having order in the backline. In addition, they were precise in offense. Therefore, they got three important points to remain high in the standings.
On the first forty-five minutes, the Dynamo, coached by Tab Ramos, controlled the match from the beginning. However, they are struggling in offense. Especially in the last touch. Mauro Manotas has not been able to score, and after Alberth Elis was transferred to Portugal’s side Boavista, the team has not found another player that can impact the offense and score for the Orange. Yes, Darwin Quintero has been the best player for the Dynamo in the last third. However, he has been playing as a wing, limiting his ability to score some goals for Houston.
Kansas City was comfortable giving the possession of the ball to the home team and used their counter attacks to create chances in offense. They pressured Houston in every sector of the field, however, the home team managed that well. A key element for the visitors was youngster Gianluca Busio. His versatile and fast game help creating opportunities for his team. Especially, when the Dynamo defensive transition was too slow.
That slow transition in defense damaged Houston at the 34’ when Alan Pulido went one on two against the two Houston central defenders, and the Mexican netted in for the partial 1-0 at the half.
The second half was a copy of the first one. Houston was controlling the match but being very imprecise in offense. Kansas City on the other hand, let Houston played their game, but looked dangerous when they recovered the ball. Important to mention that Houston Goalkeeper Marko Maric’s saves kept the home team in the match.
However, and despite being the better team, the visitors were the ones who find the net. KC doubled the lead at the 73rd minute when Pulido scored his second of the night after a great pass by Busio to give a comfortable lead to the Midwestern team.
Houston kept attacking and their hopes to get at least a tie came alive when defender Sam Junqua scored off of a corner kick at the 84th minute. However, it was too late, and Kansas City left Houston with three points.
After the win, Kansas City will host Chicago Fire on Wednesday, October 7th, whereas Houston, on the same day, will host FC Dallas in another edition of the Texas Derby.
