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Houston Dynamo FC

Manotas Records First Hat Trick in 3-1 Win over Portland

September 25, 2016 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON- Dynamo F Mauro Manotas scored his first career hat trick, with a penalty kick goal, a wonderfully hit left-footed game-winner in the 73rd minute, and a calm breakaway finish as the Dynamo defeated the reigning MLS Cup Champion Portland Timbers, 3-1, Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Manotas' three-goal game was the first Dynamo hat trick since Will Bruin against D.C. on April 29, 2011. It was the sixth hat trick in Dynamo history and first recorded by a Dynamo player at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The 21-year-old Colombian delivered a 2-1 lead in the 73rd minute, taking a great pass from MF Boniek García and using wonderful balance to drive a left-footed strike from 16 yards into the bottom corner at the near post. It was Manotas' first two-goal game in MLS and his third goal in three games.

It was García's ninth assist of the season, extending a career-high in MLS competition.

Manotas capped the hat trick in the 85th minute, staying onside with a well-timed run as Cristian Maidana played a perfect through ball behind the Portland defense. Manotas dribbled in alone on GK Jake Gleeson, took his time, and then calmly finished beneath the goalkeeper for his third goal and a 3-1 win. He has four goals in his last three games and is now tied for the team lead with seven goals in all competitions this season.

The Dynamo grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute as Manotas converted a penalty kick, the first spot kick of the season for the Dynamo.

The play that led to the penalty began when García played a pass to Mauro Manotas in space on the left side of the box. Manotas drove a low cross through six-yard box and GK Jake Gleeson palmed the cross away and the ball fell to MF Collen Warner, who drove a shot from 15 yards that struck the hand of D Steven Taylor as referee Juan Guzman issued the penalty kick.

The Timbers equalized six minutes after halftime. MF Darren Mattocks drove into the box from the left wing and struck the far post with a low shot. The rebound bounced to MF Diego Valeri, who buried his chance from 10 yards for the tying goal, his 13th of the season.

Manotas delivered a 2-1 lead in the 73rd minute, taking a great pass from García and using wonderful balance to drive a left-footed strike from 16 yards into the bottom corner at the near post. It was Manotas' first two-goal game in MLS and his third goal in three games. The Colombian has seven goals in all competitions this season, tying him for the team lead.

The Dynamo outscored Portland 5-0 in the first half of the last three meetings, but the Timbers had outscored the Dynamo 5-0 after halftime in the same three games. The Dynamo reversed that trend with the game's final two goals for the two-goal win.

The Dynamo continue the three-game homestand next Friday at 7 p.m. CDT as the host New York City FC at BBVA Compass Stadium. Tickets are available online at HoustonDynamo.com, by phone at 713-276-GOAL or at the BBVA Compass Stadium box office.

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