Houston Dynamo extend streak of ties to four after draw with Cincinnati

Houston Dynamo FC were hoping to snap their streak of draws, but were unable to do so in their 1-1 tie with visiting FC Cincinnati. The Dynamo improved on one of the areas they’ve struggled with, turnovers, but couldn’t break down a solid defensive team in Cincinnati.

The Dynamo got off to an excellent start with lots of pressure and quick attacking play which would lead to the game’s opening goal. The Dynamo regained possession early in the midfield and got the ball out wide to Sam Junqua who was starting left back over Adam Lundkvist. Junqua took his space on the wing and played a ball that found Tyler Pasher who banged it in one time to make it 1-0 to the home side.

The visitors responded quickly with former Dynamo player Geoff Cameron playing a long ball to Álvaro Barreal who got behind the Dynamo backline and put it into the net after going 1v1 with Houston goalkeeper Marko Marić.

Following the equalizer by Cincinnati, the visitors began to grow more comfortable and confident which allowed them to increase their possession and opportunities going forward. Houston during this stretch was pushed back into their own half, however they were able to adjust and increase possession and chances in Cincinnati’s side of the field for the remainder of the half. Cincinnati though did get their chances often looking especially dangerous on the counter attack.

Houston nearly retook the lead following a great one-two passing between Pasher and Maxi Urruti. However, even though the quick passing put Pasher in on goal, Cincinnati defended well to deny Pasher a second goal.

Cincinnati had a close opportunity in the 34^th minute with Brenner blowing passed Tim Parker and Zarek Valentin inside the 18 yard box setting him up for a shot on goal. Marko Marić made the reaction save, but it fell right back to Brenner whose second shot went into the side of the net for a Dynamo goal kick.

The Dynamo got bailed out by their goalkeeper to keep the game level at a goal each. The ball fell to Isaac Atanga who was unmarked back post. Marko Marić made himself big and denied Cincinnati from taking the lead before halftime.

Early into the second half it was a little patient from both sides. Neither looked particularly dangerous going forward and the Dynamo increased their number of turnovers which cut off service to the forwards.

Tab Ramos made some substitutions around the 70^th minute, likely due the compact schedule next week with some players out on international duty. Darwin Quintero in particular injected some life into the Dynamo.

Cincinnati got their first real chance of the second half around the 80^th minute on a counter attack. Oscar Boniek García gave up the ball in the middle of the field unleashing Barreal and Caleb Stanko. Barreal would eventually get fouled by Boniek setting up the free kick at the top of the box, but the effort would be punched away from danger.

With the game reaching 90 minutes, Cincinnati’s strategy seemed to be to milk the clock by going down easily and being slow to restart which disrupted any rhythm the Dynamo had built.

The game would end 1-1 and the Dynamo now have their next three games on the road. Overall, the Dynamo played pretty well with their build up play, but with Cincinnati increasingly only interested in sitting deep and countering, the Dynamo struggled to build up quality opportunities to re-take the lead.

Next up for the Dynamo is the Seattle Sounders as they go back on the road for a midweek matchup at Lumen Field Wednesday July 7^th at 8:00 PM CT.

Goals:

3’ HOU: Tyler Pasher (assisted by Sam Junqua, Maxi Urruti)

5’ CIN: Álvaro Barreal(assisted by Geoff Cameron)

Disciplinary:

48’ HOU: Maynor Figueroa (yellow card)

55’ CIN: Yuya Kubo (yellow card)

70’ HOU: Zarek Valentin (yellow card)

81’ HOU: Oscar Boniek García (yellow card)

Lineups:

Houston Dynamo (4-3-3): Marko Marić; Sam Junqua, Maynor Figueroa, Tim Parker, Zarek Valentin; Derrick Jones (74’ Oscar Boniek García), Memo Rodríguez, Joe Corona; Tyler Pasher (75’ Darwin Quintero), Maxi Urruti, Fafà Picault

FC Cincinnati (4-3-3): Kenneth Vermeer; Edgar Castillo, Gustavo Vallecilla, Geoff Cameron, Joe Gyau; Luciano Acosta, Haris Medunjanin (77’ Caleb Stanko), Yuya Kubo; Isaac Atanga (77’ Franko Kovačević), Brenner, Álvaro Barreal (90’+2’ Nick Hagglund)