LA Galaxy blankks Houston
May 23, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release
Alan Gordon's header in second-half stoppage time was the winner as the LA Galaxy secured a 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo on Friday night at StubHub Center. The Galaxy held on after Oscar Sorto's foul of David Horst appeared to occur in the penalty area soon after Gordon's goal, but a penalty kick was not awarded.
Houston will return home to host Manchester City on Thursday, May 28 in the BBVA Compass Dynamo Charities Cup before traveling to face New York City FC on Saturday, May 30 at Yankee Stadium.
The veteran duo of Robbie Keane and Gordon entered the game in the second half and the pair combined on LA's winning goal two minutes into stoppage time. After Horst did well to block Keane's shot inside the penalty area, the Galaxy kept possession and Keane lofted a cross from the edge of the box toward the back post. Gordon rose above DaMarcus Beasley and lofted a header past Tyler Deric and inside the far post for the decisive goal.
The Dynamo gained a corner kick a minute after Gordon's goal and Brad Davis' delivery was punched clear by goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. The rebound rolled to the edge of the box, where Horst outran Sorto to claim the ball before the Galaxy defender slid and fouled Horst on the inside edge of the box.
Referee Ismail Elfath initially issued Sorto a yellow card for the hard challenge before showing a red card moments later. More importantly, the referee judged the challenge occurred outside the penalty area and awarded the Dynamo a free kick 20 yards from goal, rather than a penalty kick.
Davis' free kick was cleared by the Galaxy for the final play of the game.
Houston had a few good chances in the first half, including a well-weighted ball from Boniek Garcia that sprung Will Bruin, who forced a good save from Penedo.
The Dynamo counterattacked in the second half and nearly found a goal in the 89th minute as Nathan Sturgis clipped a ball to Giles Barnes at the edge of the box and Barnes beat his marker and charged to the endline before nearly sliding a pass to Ricardo Clark at the near post, but Penedo did enough to prevent Clark's shot.
The loss snaps Houston's two-game win streak this season and a five-game regular season unbeaten streak against the Galaxy dating to 2011.
Next game: Houston Dynamo vs. Manchester City (BBVA Compass Dynamo Charities Cup) - Thursday, May 28, 7:30 p.m. CT, BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas
Dynamo Milestones and notes:
It was Brad Davis' 350th career MLS regular-season game. He is the sixth player and fourth field player in league history to make 350 appearances.
Will Bruin reached 10,804 career minutes in all competitions with the Dynamo to surpass Eddie Robinson for 12th on the club list.
It was Ricardo Clark's 30th consecutive start, dating to July 4, 2014.
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from May 23, 2015
- D.C. United ties New England Revolution, 1-1, remains in first place - D.C. United
- Revolution ties D.C. United - New England Revolution
- Monster effort earns Revs a point despite playing with nine men for 32 minutes - New England Revolution
- Impact Beats MLS's Top Team FC Dallas - Club de Foot Montreal
- Timbers Fall 1-0 on the Road against Toronto FC - Portland Timbers
- S.L. Benfica to Replace FC Porto in 2015 International Champions Cup - New York Red Bulls
- Orlando City U-23s Fall 3-1 to FC Miami - Orlando City SC
- Weather Conditions Cause Postponement of Nitro Circus Show at Toyota Stadium - FC Dallas
- Robbie Keane Inspires the Galaxy to Victory in Long-Awaited Return from Injury - LA Galaxy
- Despite a Late Red Card, Oscar Sorto Impresses in First Career Start - LA Galaxy
- Match Preview: Red Bulls Host Philly in Sunday Showdown - New York Red Bulls
- LA Galaxy blankks Houston - Houston Dynamo FC
- Three Points: Alan Goal Seals a 1-0 Win over Houston Dynamo - LA Galaxy
- Alan Gordon's stoppage time goal gives the LA Galaxy a 1-0 win at home - LA Galaxy
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Houston Dynamo FC Stories
- Houston Dynamo FC Acquire Attacker McKinze Gaines from Nashville SC
- Houston Dynamo FC Fall at Home to Austin FC
- Houston Dynamo FC Return Home to Host In-State Rivals Austin FC
- Houston Dynamo Football Club Teams up with Blood Bros. BBQ to Enhance Match Day Experience
- Houston Dynamo FC to Face Detroit City FC in Round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup