Dynamo and Rapids play to stalemate in Colorado
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
With one last league match to play before beginning Leagues Cup, the Houston Dynamo traveled to Colorado for a match against the bottom of the west Rapids. Houston was solid defensively but once again couldn’t get the offense going, earning just one point in a 0-0 draw.
Houston came out with two changes to the starting lineup with Luis Caicedo and Ivan Franco getting starts in place of Amine Bassi and Corey Baird. It was the home side that had the better of the chances early on. Keegan Rosenberry fired over in the 7th minute and Braian Galvan put a low effort into the hands of Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark after 14 minutes.
The Dynamo looked to have a possible penalty kick as referee Filip Dujic was called to the monitor by VAR. Franco Escobar’s shot clearly came off a defender’s arm but Ivan Franco was judged to be offside in the build up. No penalty was given and play continued. Both teams went back and forth with no real chances and they went into the locker rooms at halftime still tied 0-0.
Thor Ulfarsson replaced Aliyu Ibrahim for the Dynamo to begin the second half. The moved looked to inject some life into the offense but Colorado broke first early in the proceedings. Forward Darren Yapi looked to have broken free on goal but Micael tracked back brilliantly to take the ball off the Colorado striker before he could get a shot off.
Later in the half, noted Dynamo-killer Michael Barrios came into the match and nearly made an instant impact. The Colombian got space near the top of the box and stung the palms of Clark from distance. The Dynamo keeper did well to not only make the save, but not allow a rebound.
Dynamo captain Hector Herrera set up the best chances for the Dynamo on the evening. He whipped in a cross from the left, intended for Ulfarsson, that Colorado goalkeeper William Yarbrough smothered. Then in the 85th minute, the Mexican laced a free kick on goal that made its way through to Yarbrough to punch to safety.
The Dynamo will now switch gears to Leagues Cup play. Houston’s first match in the competition will be Friday on the road against Orlando City. Herrera will be in Washington D.C. early in the week for All Star festivities. He will take place in the Skills Challenge Tuesday night and in Wednesday’s All Star Game against Arsenal FC from the English Premier League.
