MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Houston Dynamo tie New York

Published on July 5, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


Giles Barnes scored the fastest regular-season goal in Dynamo history, Bradley Wright-Phillips tallied twice for New York and Brad Davis converted a late equalizer as the Houston Dynamo and New York Red Bulls drew 2-2 on Friday night before a sellout crowd at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Moments after kickoff, Ricardo Clark played the ball wide to Kofi Sarkodie, who curled a precise cross toward the penalty spot. Barnes rose above his mark and drove a header into the ground and past Luis Robles for an opening goal.

The goal - unofficially 39 seconds into the game - is the fastest regular season goal in Dynamo history. The previous earliest goal was scored by Craig Waibel 47 seconds into a game against the Colorado Rapids on Oct. 14, 2006.

It was Barnes' fourth goal of the season and 16th career goal in all competitions with the Dynamo to pass Bobby Boswell and tie Ricardo Clark for seventh on the club list.

New York struck back 12 minutes later as Eric Alexander lofted a ball over the top of the Houston defense for Wright-Phillips, who dribbled into the penalty area and slid a finish inside the far post for the tying goal.

After the two teams traded chances, the Red Bulls took the lead in the 72nd minute. Ambroise Oyongo created space near the left corner and delivered a cross near the penalty spot, and Wright-Phillips snapped a header into the far side of the net for a 2-1 lead.

Wright-Phillips leads MLS with 14 goals this season.

The Dynamo found the equalizer ten minutes later. Rookie defender AJ Cochran fought to win a header in the penalty area and the ball bounced into Red Bull defender Chris Duvall, who was judged to handle the ball with his hand by referee Ismail Elfath as the Dynamo were awaded a penalty.

Davis, in his first game back with the club after playing for the United States at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, converted the penalty kick to even the score, 2-2.

It is Davis' seventh consecutive MLS game in which he recorded a goal or assist (five assists, two goals).

The Dynamo (5-10-3; 18 points) are tied for seventh place in the East with the Philadelphia Union.

The draw snapped Houston's five-game losing streak in MLS play.

Houston next travels to face Toronto FC on Saturday, July 12 before returning to BBVA Compass Stadium to host Toronto FC on July 19.

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