Player Ratings: Houston Dynamo vs. the LA Galaxy

The Houston Dynamo were able to steal a draw against the LA Galaxy last Wednesday evening. After an own goal by DaMarcus Beasley and a giveaway by Cubo Torres that led to another goal early in the first half, things looked pretty grim for the Dynamo playoff hopes. Tomas Martinez was able to pull one back before the half, but the team came out poorly in the 2^nd half as A. J. DeLaGarza’s poor pass led to another counter attacking goal. Although the scoreline read 3-1, the Dynamo were the ones fully in control as they launched a barrage of shots against LA goalkeeper Clement Diop. Finally, Alberth Elis was brought down in the box and he converted the penalty. Moments later Vicente Sanchez found Elis again to level the game. Many thought that momentum had completely swung the Dynamo’s direction and they might be able to grab 3 points by the final whistle, but there just wasn’t enough time so they had to settle for a draw.

The Top Performers:

Alberth Elis, Man of the Match, (8.7) – It’s hard to pick another player more deserving of Man of the Match for the Dynamo. Elis tried and tried to find an answer for Houston and finally broke free on his penalty and then helped equalize. His pace harassed LA and he found ways to open up his shot. I just wish he got a few more on target.

SUB: Vicente Sanchez (7.3) – Sanchez has become the X factor when he plays because he is so intelligent with the ball. Forget his age, he is capable of crossing over anyone and sending in a good ball to be put in the net which happened when he connected with Elis.

Tomas Martinez (7.2) – Martinez still needs time to get on the same page with his teammates, but he’s such a smart player with the ball. He’s a fantastic dribbler, doesn’t panic, and makes quality passes. This time, he was able to get on the end of a pass from A. J. DeLaGarza and open himself up to the goal through traffic and put the ball in the net.

Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera (7) – Cabrera has teased so many different lineups over the last few weeks, I really didn’t know what to expect, but he put out one of his best against the Galaxy. Unfortunately, individual mistakes really became the larger talking points early in the game. However, credit the system and players in it to pound down the door in front of the Galaxy goal to see the Dynamo equal after 90 minutes.

The Rest of the Starters:

GK: Tyler Deric (6)

DEF: DaMarcus Beasley (4.5)

DEF: Leonardo (5.5)

DEF: Adolfo Machado (4.8)

DEF: A. J. DeLaGarza (4.7)

MID: Juan David Cabezas (5.5)

MID: Ricardo Clark (5.3)

FW: Romell Quioto (6.8)

FW: Erick “Cubo” Torres (3.7)

The Subs:

MID: Alex Lima (6.7)

FW: Mauro Manotas (6.8)