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Houston Dynamo FC

Houston wins 2-0

August 30, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


Game Notes: The Houston Dynamo enjoyed their return to BBVA Compass Stadium after a three-game road trip as Ricardo Clark and Raúl Rodríguez scored goals to beat nine-man Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 2-0, on Saturday.

The Dynamo (35 points, seven games remaining) are tied with the Seattle Sounders (35 points, eight games remaining) and trail the San Jose Earthquakes (38 points, eight games remaining) for sixth place and the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

After goalkeeper Tyler Deric made a pair of saves to keep the game scoreless, the Dynamo took the lead in the 34th minute. Sheanon Williams delivered a pinpoint cross from the right corner and Erick Torres, making his first Dynamo start, settled the ball and left it for Ricardo Clark, who hustled to poke a shot past David Ousted for a 1-0 lead.

It was Clark's 25th career Dynamo goal in all competitions and his sixth goal of the season to extend his career high. Clark was back on the field for the first time since Aug. 1 after missing four games with a hamstring strain.

It also was Torres' first assist with the Dynamo.

The Dynamo continued to draw fouls on the Whitecaps, who were playing their eighth game this month, and Vancouver regretted two challenges that left the visitors with nine players.

Kendall Waston, who five minutes earlier received a yellow card for a challenge on Torres, slid to stop Giles Barnes breaking down the left flank, but caught the Barnes on the right leg. Referee Kevin Stott immediately issued Waston his second yellow, and a red card.

Down to 10 players, Vancouver's fortunes worsened eight minutes later as Matias Laba swung his leg toward a loose ball and caught Williams near midfield. Scott showed Laba his second yellow card and the Argentinian was sent off.

Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson stayed aggressive, subbing forward Octavio Rivero for Kekutah Manneh in attempt to tie the game, despite the two-man disadvantage for the final 36 minutes.

The Dynamo would threaten Ousted's goal for the rest of the night and the Danish goalkeeper and 2015 MLS All-Star stood tall, repelling Rodriguez, Bruin and Sturgis in short order before Houston put the game away.

Brad Davis delivered a corner kick and Rodriguez expertly headed from a difficult angle across the six-yard box and inside the unguarded far post for the final goal.

It was Rodriguez's second goal this season, with both arriving via a Brad Davis set piece.

Deric made two saves on the night to claim his sixth shutout of the season.

The Dynamo have next weekend off due to international games and then host Real Salt Lake at 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 12 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

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