Late goal downs Houston Dynamo against the Columbus Crew

The Houston Dynamo finally made it through a MLS game without a red card but not with out controversy. The Houston Dynamo fell 1-0 on the road to the Columbus Crew on Saturday night.

The Dynamo were without Alberth Elis, Darwin Ceren and Alejandro Fuenmayor after all three received red cards in the last game. Assistant coach Michael Dellorusso led the team on the sidelines as head coach Wilmer Cabrera was also out after being ejected from the last game.

The first half of the game was a fairly quiet for both sides. Both teams had chances in the first half but neither were able to score. Columbus had the edge in possession, but Houston had more shots. Houston had five shots in the first half to Columbus’ three.

Early in the second half Joe Willis made a stop on Federico Higuain as the midfielder went 1v1 with the Dynamo’s goalkeeper. Columbus had a second chance at goal on the rebound but the ball went over the net.

Andrew Wenger nearly gave the Dynamo the lead in the 71st minute of the game. Zack Steffen made a one handed save to keep the ball from going into the net helping to keep the game level a 0-0.

As the game got into stoppage time Gyasi Zardes scored to give his team a 1-0 lead. Harrison Afful crossed the ball in from the wings and Patrick Mullins, who was in an offside position, jumped up to connect with the ball but missed. The ball sailed past Mullins and towards Zardes who settled the ball and took one hit sending it past Willis and into goal. It goal was quickly reviewed by VAR but the goal stood.

The lone goal would be all it would take for the Dynamo to drop a much needed point on the road. The game finished with each side having 13 shots with five shots on target.

The Dynamo now turn their sights to next Saturday when they play Real Salt Lake at home.

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