MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Pair of Second Half Goals Doom Dynamo

Published on September 4, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


The Columbus Crew scored two goals in the second half to defeat the Houston Dynamo, 2-0, on Wednesday night at Crew Stadium.

The Dynamo (10-9-7; 37 points) remain tied for fifth place in the Eastern Conference with the New England Revolution (10-9-7; 37 points. Houston is two points back of the Philadelphia Union (10-7-9; 39 points) and three points behind three clubs in first place - the Montreal Impact (12-7-6; 42 points), New York Red Bulls (12-9-6; 42 points) and Sporting Kansas City (12-9-6; 42 points).

The Crew took the lead two minutes after halftime. Bernardo Anor played a pass from the middle of the field to the left side of the penalty area for Justin Meram, who used one touch to slot a pass through the six-yard box. Ryan Finley took the pass and found the net for a 1-0 lead.

Three minutes later, Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall kept his club within a goal. The Crew was awarded a penalty kick and Hall stopped Finley's attempt with a dive to his right.

It was the second time this season Hall has stopped a penalty kick. He also saved Landon Donovan's attempt against the LA Galaxy on May 5.

Columbus added to its lead in the 74th minute as Meram collected a cross at the top of the penalty area, drove to his left and sent a low shot inside the far post.

Houston created several of its best chances early in the game, beginning with an opportunity inside the first minute. Bobby Boswell sent a ball forward from his own half and Cam Weaver headed a pass to Will Bruin, who drove past his defender and raced alone on goal. Bruin dribbled past Columbus goalkeeper Matt Lampson and fired a shot that was destined for goal before it was cleared off the line by Chad Barson.

Two minutes later, Bruin took a pinpoint pass from Kofi Sarkodie down with his chest and raced behind Columbus defender Eric Gehrig before firing a shot from the top of the box wide of the goal.

In the 11th minute, Bruin had a third chance, receiving a header from Brad Davis and turning Gehrig 40 yards from goal before charging to the top of the box, where his left footed shot slipped past the far post.

Later in the half, Hall made an important save, charging to the top of the penalty area to slide and block a shot from Dominic Oduro.

The second half included important goal line clearances from Dynamo defenders. First, Kofi Sarkodie jumped at the far post to clear a header from Chad Marshall. Later, Warren Creavalle cleared a goal-bound shot from Oduro off the line with a sliding clearance.

Houston came close to pulling a goal back in the 86th minute when Boswell headed a corner kick from Davis off the cross bar.

Milestones:

Wednesday was Adam Moffat's 25th regular season game of the season, a new career-high.

It was Corey Ashe's 164th career start in all competitions with the Dynamo to pass Brian Mullan for fifth on the franchise list.

It was Boswell's 169th career regular season games with Houston to pass Brian Ching for third on the club list.

It was Brad Davis' 306th career regular season game. He passed Ramiro Corrales and Jason Kreis and is now tied with Cobi Jones for 19th on the all-time MLS list.

It was Hall's 98th career regular season start to tie Wade Barrett for 10th on the franchise list.

The Dynamo return to BBVA Compass Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 8 to host the New York Red Bulls at 4 p.m. CT in a match presented by VISA.

Next Match: Sunday, Sept. 8, 4 p.m. CT, Houston Dynamo vs. New York Red Bulls, BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, TX

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