First road win remains elusive as Dynamo draw Galaxy 2-2

The Dynamo made their way out west to take on the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday night. From the opening whistle Houston looked determined to gain their first 3 road points of the season. They were the better side for much of the first half, bottling the Galaxy’s offensive efforts while stringing together several promising attacks of their own.

Houston’s confidence going forward was rewarded in the 22nd minute when Mauro Manotas put his side ahead with his fifth goal of the season. Manotas found himself in the right place at the right time to tap in when Galaxy goalkeeper Clément Diop parried DaMarcus Beasley’s attempt from distance straight into the danger zone.

The Dynamo’s lead lasted only twelve minutes as the Galaxy produced a devastating counterattack in the 35th minute, remarkably their only attempt in the first half. Alessandrini, one of Major League Soccer’s best players so far this season, collected the ball just past midfield and found a streaking Emmanuel Boateng. Boateng immediately found himself beyond the Dynamo defense and rounded goalkeeper Tyler Deric before slotting home. The rest of the half was largely uneventful and the sides headed into the locker room all level.

A 1-1 scoreline left everything to play for after the interval and the second half began with two Dynamo substitutions, namely Alberth Elis and Boniek Garcia replacing Romell Quioto and Alex. The first ten minutes saw the Galaxy attempting to gain a foothold in the match and the Dynamo repeatedly found themselves trapped in their own half. Houston used their final substitution in the 65th minute, replacing DaMarcus Beasley with Dylan Remick. The Dynamo began pushing for the go-ahead goal and a few minutes later Elis squandered a wonderful opportunity when Manotas found him open at the back post.

La Pantera made amends almost immediately on a quintessential Dynamo counter attack. Elis went flying past LA’s defense and his cheeky chip over Diop put Houston ahead 2-1 in the 74th minute.

LA’s Ariel Lassiter nearly leveled the match with five minutes left to play when his header from inside the six yard box rattled the crossbar. Numerous injuries led to six minutes of stoppage time and the Galaxy were dealt a cruel finish when Alessandrini tapped in from an offside position. The goal was given despite protests and the match ended at 2-2. Another away match, another night of frustration for the Dynamo.

The Dynamo take on in-state rival FC Dallas at BBVA Compass Stadium on Friday night at 8:00 CT.

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