MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Houston Dynamo Split Three-Period Scrimmage with RGV FC

Published on January 26, 2019 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON - The Houston Dynamo opened the preseason with a 1-0 victory over Rio Grande Valley FC, the club's USL Championship hybrid affiliate, at the annual Open Practice this evening at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The teams played three 30-minute periods in front of more than 3,000 fans, with the Dynamo and RGV FC facing off in the first two before RGV FC players competed in an intra-squad scrimmage in the third.

The only Dynamo goal of the evening came off a counterattack that was sparked by right back A.J. DeLaGarza after Houston won the ball in its half of the field. DeLaGarza found Dynamo forward Alberth Elis near midfield, and in classic fashion, the Honduran international sprinted past a defender to beat goalkeeper Tyler Deric with a shot toward the far post. Elis' goal was enough to give Houston the victory in the first period.

Houston's early pressure in the first period earned the Dynamo a penalty kick after a handball was called inside the box in the third minute. Elis' penalty kick was saved by a diving effort from Deric, who suited up for RGV FC for the first period.

Dynamo forward Mauro Manotas was a key component in the heavy pressure in the first period. The forward had a shot blocked inside the box by an RGV FC defender in the eighth minute. Ten minutes later Dynamo forward Romell Quioto forced a save from Deric in a one-on-one duel inside the box.

A completely different crop of players took the field in the second period for both teams and Houston's constant pressure carried over as Dynamo forward Marlon Hairston forced a save off a one-on-one duel with goalkeeper Joe Willis in the second minute, as Willis and Deric switched teams for the second period.

Four minutes later Dynamo midfielder Memo Rodriguez forced a save with a 25-yard-shot.

Rodriguez generated another dangerous opportunity with eight minutes left in the period after his cross found midfielder Tommy McNamara. McNamara's header found Hairston outside the six-yard box but his effort was wide of the near post. The second period ended in a scoreless draw.

The third period featured two sides primarily comprised of RGV FC players, along with a handful of young players from the Dynamo First Team. With lineups being juggled and RGV FC just five days into preseason, a miscommunication at the back led to an own goal just moments into the period, giving the Grey squad an early advantage. Both sides created opportunities throughout the period, but neither was able to break through, leaving the final score for the 30 minutes at 1-0 to the Grey.

The Dynamo and RGV FC will each resume preseason training on Monday at Houston Sports Park, and will face off again in a second scrimmage on Tuesday morning.

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 26, 2019


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