The Dynamo’s winless streak reached 4 games after a tough 3-2 loss to DC United Saturday night at RFK Stadium. In form forward Will Bruin scored twice but defensive lapses cost Houston in the end.
DC opened the scoring in the 11th minute after a goalkeeping error by Tally Hall. A long ball from defender Brandon McDonald beat the Dynamo defense and Chris Pontius ran onto it. Hall came out to the top left of the box and slid for the ball but Pontius got a touch on it and went right around him. Pontius picked out Maicon Santos in the box and he headed in to the open net.
DC led at the halftime break but the Dynamo were able to equalize shortly after the second half began. Defender Jermaine Taylor beat former Dynamo Danny Cruz on the left side and put a perfect cross in to the box. Bruin met the cross with a first time right footed shot and Houston was level in the 50th minute.
United quickly regained the lead in the 52nd minute. A corner kick was cleared out of the box but DC retained possession. Dwayne De Rosario put a ball into the box and Pontius jumped to head it. The ball missed Pontius, instead hitting the back post and going in. There’s no way De Rosario intended to score but a player of his caliber knows how to make plays and his first goal of the season, while a fluke, was big for United.
Bruin’s second came courtesy of a howler from DC keeper Joe Willis. An attempted clearance was blocked by Corey Ashe and the ball fell to Bruin. The Indiana forward took one touch and hit a shot at Willis. Willis blocked the shot but it squirmed under him to tie the game at 2.
The final goal of the game came in the 70th minute after some nice build up play from De Rosario. After some good possession in the middle De Rosario played a ball wide left to defender Daniel Woolard. Woolard’s cross was met by Santos and his header deflected off Hall’s fingertips into the net to give DC United the 3 points.
8 points in 6 road games is a good showing but no wins in the last 4 is a bit troublesome. I’m not worried. Although they allowed 3 goals the defense is still strong. Just one game remains on the opening road trip, at New York, and then the Dynamo open BBVA Compass Stadium and will have a back log of home games. Brad Davis returned from injury against DC as a second half sub and getting him back in the starting lineup will be a big boost to the team. Colin Clark will also return from his 3 game suspension and getting JeVaughn Watson out of the starting lineup is a plus in my opinion. Once the team is back at full strength, results will come, especially at home. The good news about the loss is that we get to play DC again in less than 2 weeks to open the stadium. Everyone is greatly anticipating this match already but now there will be a bit of revenge to be had.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
