Houston Dynamo get much needed 5-1 victory over Toronto FC

Saturday was the goal-fest that the Houston Dynamo sorely needed. After their 4-0 victory to start the season the Dynamo have struggle to get on the scoreboard and hold a lead when they do. Toronto FC came to Houston as a team that has also struggled, but their struggled have come as a result of their decision to focus on CCL games over MLS.

It didn’t take long after the start of the game for the Dynamo to start on their scoring tear. Mauro Manotas put the Dynamo up 1-0 in the third minute of the game. Romell Quioto won the ball and passed it to Manotas. The striker was in perfect position to strike the ball sending it right through goalkeeper Clint Irwin’s legs. The goal was Manotas’ fourth goal of the season.

Four minutes later the Dynamo doubled their lead. The Dynamo won a corner kick and TFC struggled to clear the kick away from goal. The ball eventually fell to Leonardo who took a shot and after a deflection and bounced past Irwin and into the net for a 2-0 lead for the Dynamo.

It looked like Toronto had gotten on the scoreboard in the 26th minute of the game when Jordan Hamilton headed in a cross. However, after video review he was ruled offside and the goal was called back.

As half time approached the game slowed down as each side looked content to head into the locker room with a 2-0 score. The Dynamo had eight shots in the first half and five of those shots were on target. While TFC has seven shots they were only able to get one on target.

When the whistle blew for the second half the Dynamo came out firing. Quioto ran down the side of the field and cross the ball in front of goal. The ball came into contact with Ryan Telfer and it took a deflection off of him. The cross and deflection drew Irwin down to his right as he tried to protect goal. The deflection ended up at Eric Alexander’s feet and he was able to poke the ball into goal as Irwin was unable to get up and over in time to stop his shot.

It wasn’t all bad for TFC as they were finally able to end the shutout in the 52nd minute of the game. Joe Willis stopped a header from TFC but the ball went out for a corner kick. Mitchell Taintor was able to connect with the corner kick and head the ball in to make the scoreline 3-1.

But Houston were not content to let the scoreline remain as Quioto got the ball rolling for the Dynamo to help them score their fourth goal of the game. Quioto once again got down the side of the field and crossed the ball into the box, this time to Alberth Elis. La Panterita made a quick move behind the defender on him to get to the ball. His shot took one bounce and went in to Irwin’s right extending the Dynamo’s lead once more.

Quioto wasn’t done yet as he would go on to score the fifth goal for the Dynamo. On the the receiving end of a deep pass Quioto worked his way closer to goal before taking an angled shot that rolled right past Irwin who dove trying to make the stop.

In the 90th minute Arturo Alvarez fouled Mariano Mino in the penalty area to give TFC a penalty kick. Ager Aketxe put the penalty kick in the middle of the goal and a diving Joe Willis was able to push the ball out. With the save on the penalty kick the score line would hold 5-1 until the final whistle.

The Dynamo ended the game with 20 shots putting 11 of them on target. TFC had 17 shots in the game but had just seven on target. This was rare game where the Dynamo won the possession battle and the game.

Next Saturday the Dynamo are on the road to play Minnesota United.

Lineups

75’ Fuenmayor in, Leonardo off for the Dynamo