The Houston Dynamo opened up tonight’s second SuperLiga match looking like a team with something to prove. After being knocked out of U.S. Open Cup by Chivas USA just over a week ago, Dynamo Head Coach Dominic Kinnear’s team came out of the locker room looking for revenge against the Goats from Southern California. Chivas USA’s line-up indicated that the team has to take something from tonight’s match if they want to stay in this competition. However, the team’s play at the start of the half was uninspired and allowed the Dynamo to immediately take control of the match.
After coming out strong, Houston’s effort and focus were awarded when Lovel Palmer scored a goal in the sixth minute. The goal came off a deflected Dominic Oduro cross that found the feet of Palmer, who took his time before slotting a shot home into the corner of the net. Palmer started the match in the center-attacking midfield role and is clearly enjoying taking his chances on goal.
The Dynamo continued to push in attack and saw a number of chances almost materialize but were unable to double their lead. Thus far, Houston has controlled all aspects of the match and has looked the better side. The team clearly realizes that a win tonight effectively could knock Chivas USA out of the competition and would allow them to cruise on Wednesday night when they take on Puebla from the Primera Division in Mexico.
Chivas USA’s best chance of the first half came in the 26th minute when Tally Hall ran about 15 yards off of his line at an onrushing Jesus Padilla, who shot, only to have Hall save with his body. Following that save, Chivas USA looked a bit better and was able to maintain possession for spells of time. However, Houston was stil the better team in the first half and will be hoping the second half brings more of the same.
Both teams have accumulated for a few cards and it will be interesting to see if either team loses players if the match stays physical. A hot and humid Houston night may slow down the second half, but the Dynamo will be looking to shut down a Chivas USA in need of a win.
Check back here for more updates in the second half.