Ivan Franco’s late goal gives Dynamo 2-1 win over Austin FC
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
In the second meeting between the Houston Dynamo and Austin FC at Shell Energy Stadium in 2023, the script turned out a lot like the first meeting. Austin did find the net this time but Houston came roaring back, leaving it late on a steamy Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium.
Gyasi Zardes put Austin in front with his 100th career MLS regular season goal. Right back Nick Lima got forward, as he was doing a lot of early in the half, and played a cross in towards the head of Zardes. The former USMNT striker got free between Dynamo center backs Ethan Bartlow and Daniel Steres and headed past Steve Clark to give Austin a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.
Houston found the equalizer fifteen minutes later with their captain popping up in the right spot at the right time. Ibrahim Aliyu found space down the left side and squared a ball to Coco Carrasquilla at the penalty spot. The Panamanian’s first time shot was blocked but Hector Herrera was there to smash the rebound past Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver to make the score 1-1 in the 37th minute.
The Dynamo nearly took the lead in the 41st minute. Carrasquilla found Aliyu with a through ball and the Nigerian was able to score on his own rebound, but the joy was short-lived as the offside flag was up. The teams went into the halftime break tied at one in a game that was fairly open for long stretches.
Houston kept the pressure on in the second half but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Herrera headed a corss wide in the 49th minute and then stung a left-footed shot that was saved by Stuver in the 59th. The Dynamo looked to have a penalty in the 66th minute as referee Ted Unkel pointed to the spot as Amine Bassi went down but the assistant had his flag up for offside.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. The Dynamo finally did find that breakthrough that they pushed the whole second half for and it came off the bench in the form of Ivan Franco. The Paraguayan came on for Bassi in the 81st minute and he made his mark minutes later. Herrera whipped a corner in front of goal in the 87th minute. Defender Daniel Steres got a touch and directed the ball to Franco who was able to guide the ball into the back of the net and send the crowd of 16,055 at Shell Energy Stadium into delirium.
The win is the second for the Dynamo this year against their in-state rivals to the west. Today’s two goals to go with the four on Wednesday could show signs of life in the offense. Carrasquilla playing more of a wing with Bassi in a central role behind Corey Baird and Aliyu could be something that we see more often. The defense did concede but Micael filling in at left back, allowing Franco Escobar to play right back, is another bright spot from this win.
Houston is back at it again in short order with a trip to Vancouver to take on the Whitecaps Wednesday.
