Dominant first half leads Dynamo past RSL and into Leagues Cup Round of 32
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo hosted Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium Monday night knowing they had to win and score multiple goals. A dominant first half gave Houston all they needed to get the job done.
Knowing they needed goals, the Dynamo came out firing. They found their opener just 7 minutes in thanks to the captain. A ball popped out to the top of the box and Hector Herrera put his right foot through it. The volley took a wicked deflection and beat RSL goalkeeper Gavin Beavers to put Houston ahead 1-0 early.
A 1-0 score was not going to be enough for Houston and they knew they needed more. It opened some counter-attack opportunities for Salt Lake and Andrew Tarbell, starting in goal in place of Steve Clark, made two big saves in the 17th and 22nd minutes to keep the away side off the score sheet.
The Dynamo doubled their lead in the 24th minute with HH involved once again. A foul set up a free kick from the left side of the field and Herrera fired the ball into the box. Center back Micael rose and got to the ball first to head it past Beavers to double the lead.
A 2-0 win would be enough to give the Dynamo the group win and move them to the knockout rounds but they couldn’t afford to let RSL back in the match. Tarbell made another big save on Anderson Julio in the 36th minute to once again deny RSL.
Houston widened their lead and improved their chances to eliminate Salt Lake in the 42nd minute. Griffin Dorsey drove to the end line and fired a low cross to the near post. Ezequiel Ponce got to the near post and the ball found the back of the net to make the game 3-0. The goal was originally credited as Ponce’s first goal for the club but was changed to a Justen Glad own goal.
The Dynamo took their 3-0 lead into half time. Real Salt Lake knew they needed a big turn around in the second half to keep their own Leagues Cup alive and head coach Pablo Mastroeni brought on MLS Golden Boot leader Chicho Arango to begin the second half. Arango was suspended by MLS for the last four matches and made his return, trying to save RSL.
Real Salt Lake pushed to get back into the match with Arango on the field. Griffin Dorsey saved a ball off the line in the 54th minute after Arango danced around the Houston defense and played a ball in the middle.
Ponce got a free header in the 58th minute off a cross from Erik Sviatchenko, but his attempt was right at Beavers. Lawrence Ennali came on for Aliyu Ibrahim a minute later and the German brought his pace and creativity to the left wing.
Tarbell was called on again on 72 minutes, diving to his left to parry away a Diego Luna effort from the top of the box. The backup goalkeeper proved on this night, once again, he is a backup in name only.
The away side had to chase and find goals to keep themselves alive but they just could not get any good looks at Tarbell’s net. The full time whistle blew at Shell Energy Stadium and the Dynamo did what they had to do, beating Real Salt Lake 3-0.
With the win, the Dynamo win West Group 8 and advance to the Round of 32 in the Leagues Cup. They will host Liga MX club Toluca at Shell Energy Stadium. Information for that match is yet to be announced. Stay tuned to our social media channels for the date and time, when the club announces it.
