
Aston Villa blanks Houston
Published on July 26, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release
Joe Bennett scored late in the first half as Aston Villa finished its Texas tour with a 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo in the BBVA Compass Dynamo Charities Cup on Saturday.
The Dynamo are 3-3-0 all-time in the BBVA Compass Charities Cup, an annual friendly match between the Dynamo and a prominent international opponent benefitting Dynamo Charities.
Proceeds from the match will benefit the "Building a Better Houston" initiative, a campaign led by Dynamo Charities and BBVA Compass to make improvements in Houston's East End.
Aston Villa returns to England with two wins in two games on its Texas tour after a 2-0 victory at FC Dallas on Wednesday.
Aston Villa's winning goal began from a corner kick in the 41th minute. Charles N'Zogbia's set piece was collected at the back edge of the penalty area by Andreas Weimann, who drove a pinpoint cross back in front of goal. Bennett rose and headed into the net from eight yards for the winning goal.
Houston's best scoring chance in the first half arrived in the 11th minute. Brad Davis delivered a trademark free kick and Jermaine Taylor beat his man to the ball inside the penalty area but couldn't keep his shot on target from ten yards.
Davis continued a strong first half with a free kick five minutes later that was handled by Aston Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer. Then, Davis used his right foot from a tight angle for a firm shot that forced a strong diving save from Steer.
Villa earned the corner kick that led to the goal when midfielder Karim El-Ahmadi drilled a knuckling shot from 35 yards that required a good save from Dynamo goalkeeper Tyler Deric.
Jason Johnson was among a group of four Dynamo substitutes in the 72th minute and came close immediately after entering, challenging a back pass and forcing a clearance from Steer.
Eight minutes later substitute Brian Ownby had a quality chance, collecting a deflected cross at the top of the box, but his shot missed the target.
Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner nearly scored in the 87th minute, cracking a shot from 30 yards that rattled high off the post, and off Deric, before bouncing out.
The Dynamo resume MLS play on Sunday, Aug. 3 against D.C. United at BBVA Compass Stadium.
The Dynamo (19 points) are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference but only five points behind the New York Red Bulls (24 points) for fifth place and the final playoff spot.
Major League Soccer Stories from July 26, 2014
- Higuain, Finlay Tally to Lead Crew to Road Victory - Columbus Crew SC
- Chicago Fire Fall 2-0 to Barclay's Premier League Side Tottenham - Chicago Fire FC
- Aston Villa blanks Houston - Houston Dynamo FC
- Sporting KC Wins 5th Straight Road Match with Victory in Toronto - Sporting Kansas City
- New York Red Bulls Down Arsenal FC 1-0 to Capture the 2014 New York Cup - New York Red Bulls
- Impact Hosts Portland at Stade Saputo Sunday - Club de Foot Montreal
- Houston Dynamo Game Notes -- July 26 vs. Aston Villa F.C. - Houston Dynamo FC
- Omar Gonzalez on Course to Return against Seattle - LA Galaxy
- Colorado blanks Chivas - Colorado Rapids
- Rapids Earn 3-0 Win on Pablo Mastroeni Night - Colorado Rapids
- Bengtson's loan to Belgrano designed to get forward more regular playing time - New England Revolution
- Chivas USA Fall 3-0 to Colorado Rapids - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
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.
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