The Houston Dynamo scored two goals in a span three minutes to roar back from a goal deficit to defeat Orlando City SC 2-1 tonight at BBVA Stadium.
Houston scored twice in the span of 168 seconds as forward Christian Ramirez found forward Alberth Elis at the far post in the 70th minute and then Ramirez tapped home the winner in the 73rd.
The equalizer came after Ramirez got free along the right flank after an outlet pass from midfielder Memo Rodriguez and played in a cross that Elis headed into the back of the net for his eighth goal of the season.
Ramirez scored his third goal for the club three minutes later after forward Mauro Manotas dribbled past a defender to create space for a low cross to the far opposite post. The Dynamo forward tapped the ball in for his seventh goal of the season.
The Lions took the lead in the sixth minute after they were awarded a free kick outside the penalty area for a collision between midfielder Boniek Garcia and Orlando midfielder Cristian Higuita. Orlando forward Mauricio Pereyra took the free kick and found forward Dom Dwyer at the far post, where he headed the ball in for his seventh goal of the season.
Houston nearly equalized in the 13th minute off a corner kick from Garcia that was flicked to the far post by Ramirez. Orlando defender Robin Jansson got to the ball before Manotas and cleared the ball away from the six-yard box.
Dynamo goalkeeper Joe Willis was called into action in the 19th minute when he saved a shot from Dwyer at the near post. Willis came up big with three saves in quick succession in the 80th minute, first diving to parry away a cross from right back Ruan, then recovering to deny forward Carlos Ascues with a diving save and then smother a follow-up shot from Ruan. Willis then dove to cover a shot by Dwyer from outside the penalty area to preserve the win.
Wilis was officially credited with just two saves on the night, but was crucial in leading the Dynamo to their 11th win of the year and a career-best 10th on the season for him.
Houston face a quick turnaround as they travel to California on Monday for a midweek showdown with the league-leading Los Angeles FC at Banc of California Stadium. The Dynamo close the two-game road trip next Sunday when they face Nick Rimando and Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium. Both matches will be televised live on KUBE-TV 57. The Dynamo return to BBVA Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 6 for Fan Appreciation Night and a DaMarcus Beasley sendoff presented by BBVA.
