The Houston Dynamo dropped a 1-0 result to Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field tonight after the Sounders capitalized on a moment of individual skill for the match’s only goal.
Although Houston largely controlled the run of play early on, Seattle’s goal came off of a second ball following a corner kick. Dynamo midfielder MatÃas Vera cleared the initial corner, but the ball fell to Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan who finished on the volley to the upper left corner from outside the box in the fifth minute.
Houston almost answered Seattle’s opening goal in the eighth minute when midfielder Memo Rodriguez crossed a ball that was cleared by Sounders defender Brad Smith. The ball fell to Dynamo forward Mauro Manotas inside the box, but he was tackled off the ball by Sounders defender Román Torres.
Houston had two more golden chances to level things before halftime with back-to-back crosses into the heart of the box intended for forward Alberth Elis. Dynamo defender A.J. DeLaGarza found the Honduran international near the penalty spot in the 23rd minute, but his diving header skipped over the crossbar into the top netting. Two minutes later, defender Adam Lundkvist found Elis unmarked, but his header went over the crossbar.
Seattle, likewise, saw a pair of chances to double their lead go begging late in the half. In the 42nd minute, defender Brad Smith found forward Jordan Morris at the far post, but his header went over the crossbar. A minute later, Seattle captain Nicolás Lodeiro hit the woodwork with a shot from outside the box.
Houston's final opportunity of the first half came seconds before refeere Alex Chilowicz called for halftime. Lundkvist found Manotas, who split the Sounders backline for an uncontested shot, but his effort on the half-volley whistled over the bar.
Seattle midfielder Harry Shipp forced a diving save at the far post from Dynamo goalkeeper Joe Willis to open the second half. Willis finished with three saves against the Sounders.
Houston’s best chance in the second half came late through a pair of substitutes. Forward Romell Quioto, who came on at the 80th minute, worked free down the left flank a minute later and whipped in a low centering ball that found midfielder Tommy McNamara, a 72nd-minute sub, at the penalty spot. McNamara’s left-footed effort sailed over the bar as the Dynamo suffered their first shutout of the year in league play.
Tonight’s match was the first of three in an eight-day span for the Dynamo. The club returns to BBVA Compass Stadium on Wednesday, May 15 to host the Portland Timbers, and will welcome in English superstar Wayne Rooney and D.C. United on Saturday, May 18.
Wednesday’s match is the second of Houston’s (713) Series, which features a $7 general admission ticket, a $1 hot dog and a $3 beer. Saturday night’s match is Superhero Night, and the first 5,000 fans will receive a Dynamo-branded superhero cape. Tickets for both matches are available online at HoustonDynamo.com or by phone at 713-276-4625 (GOAL).
