The Houston Dynamo decided to change things up and get a bit adventurous with tonight’s starting line-up. Midfielder and team leader Brad Davis started on the bench, forcing Head Coach Dominic Kinnear to change things up, moving usual center defensive midfielder Lovel Palmer into the center of attack with Richard Mulrooney filling in behind him. Though this move was a bit forced, it is one that has seemed like an obvious option of the past few weeks as Palmer is a midfielder who shows confidence pushing up the pitch and is not afraid to take a shot on goal.
For once the Dynamo decided to come out and attack, finding space and creating early choices. Brian Ching nearly had a scoring opportunity in the first three minutes but was called for a foul, stopping play. Houston had more scoring chances throughout the first half and the closest they came to scoring a goal was in the 23rd minute when Danny Cruz drove down the right side of the pitch and crossed the ball from the wing. The cross rolled through the six-yard box into the feet of an awaiting Brian Ching who wrong-footed the ball wide of the net.
Both teams were quick to attack, but it was the Houston defense that looked good and was able to contain Guillermo Barros Schelotto, the one player they have to keep away from goal.
For Houston, going into the half not conceding a goal, controlling the play, and pressing for scoring chances has to feel like a victory after their last few matches.
The Dynamo will be hoping they can continue to contain the Crew and Schelotto and create more scoring chances.