TEXAS DERBY LOSS IN HOUSTON SEASON OPENER

Written by Vicente Garcia Miale | Photo credit: Houston Dynamo FC

HOUSTON – The Houston Dynamo lost the first game of their 20^th season in MLS on a rainy Texas Derby full of emotion. It was an exciting night at Shell Energy Stadium, where thousands of fans gathered to witness a new chapter of MLS play at the Bayou City.

 

With a couple of surprises in the first starting 11 of the season, Ben Olsen’s team spotlight fell upon Jack McGlynn, the newly acquired midfielder from Orlando City SC who reached 100 regular season appearances. The match began with a stalemate, with neither side able to produce much. Eric Quill’s team patiently waited for Houston to advance with possession, aiming to produce direct attacks down the wings.

 

It wasn’t until the 18th minute of the match that Amine Bassi was able to find the net. Houston’s first goal of the season arrived after a great combination between Griffin Dorsey and Ezequiel Ponce, some of the familiar faces within the home roster. Bassi’s 14th goal as a Dynamo player was celebrated by a home crowd who battled the low temperatures with great excitement

 

With a goal in their favor, the Houston Dynamo gained confidence and began playing at a higher pace through the leadership of the newly appointed captain, Artur. Jack McGlynn, Bassi, and Kowalczyk accompanied Artur in a Houston midfield that enjoyed having possession of the ball and allowed players to roam around while looking to break down Dallas’ defensive line.

 

Both teams entered the second half with the same starting 11s as Dallas looked to find an equalizer with 45 minutes remaining. Houston’s confidence was crushed when center back Ethan Bartlow attempted to complete a short pass to Houston goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell. The pass fell short and Petar Musa tied the game with an excellent finish in front of Houston’s goal. The equalizer arrived in the 54th minute.

 

Confusion erupted as Eric Quill’s side produced more danger with great confidence. Ben Olsen responded by subbing in Nico Lodeiro, the Uruguayan 2011 Copa America winner. Lodeiro played 30 minutes of the match and proved why he is a great addition to a Houston team that lacked creativity and effectiveness in the final third.

 

Anderson Julio struck again for Dallas, finding the 2-1 lead after the Ecuadorian winger received a long, over-the-top ball that defeated Houston’s defense. Julio’s vertical run forced Andrew Tarbell to step outside the box, allowing the Dallas attacker to find the net and seal off the game.

 

Houston will host 2022 World Cup winner Leo Messi and his Inter Miami on Sunday, March 2 at 6:00 p.m. CT. Both teams will attempt to find their first win of the season after Javier Mascherano’s side found a late equalizer in a hard-fought match against New York City FC.