By JOHN BOSCHINI
A late goal from Colin Clark salvaged a 2-2 draw for the 10-man Houston Dynamo against FC Dallas in an ill-tempered match between the rival clubs.
The game started with a flurry of chances for Houston. Brad Davis broke down the left flank and found Will Bruin from eight yards out but Kevin Hartman stoned the rookie with a good save. The Dynamo had another chance in the 25th minute but Robert Palmer sent a close-range effort soaring over the bar.
FC Dallas took the lead against the run of play with a goal from Andrew Jacobson just two minutes later. Fabian Castillo's shot from outside the box came off the crossbar and Jacobson managed to head the rebound into a gaping net.
Houston equalized just before halftime when Cam Weaver swept a brilliant Davis cross past Hartman. It was Weaver's fourth goal of the season and the half ended with the teams level.
There were fewer chances in the second half as both teams tried to keep possession. Lovel Palmer tested Hartman with a long-range effort but Hartman was up to the task. Dallas scored what looked like a game-winner in the 70th minute when Ugo Ihemelu directed a header into the far corner.
Things got worse in the 72nd minute when Kofi Sarkodie was sent off for a second yellow card. The rookie from Akron took Brek Shea out with a tackle from behind and Houston was down to 10 men.
However, Clark, a substitute, rescued a point for the home team when with a neat finish past Hartman after finding himself in on goal.
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What did you think of the Texas derby? Think Davis deserves to be with the USMNT for the Gold Cup?
Share your thoughts below.
I think you mean leaves a lot to be desired because the offense certainly isn’t very desirable at the moment.
Houston offense still has a lot to be desired.
Houston definitely needs to work hard on set piece defending. Both of Dallas’s goals came off corner kicks (or play immediately thereafter).
I wasn’t a huge fan of the lineup last night. Bobby Boswell, Danny Cruz and Corey Ashe were missed in my opinion.
@FuelMonkey… honestly, I thought Cameron was trying to pick up the slack for most of the other midfielders (other than Davis) the whole game. I am not disappointed with his play. If he looked overwhelmed, I’d say it was because of his having to chase down too many poor passes.
On another note, I think Brad Davis deserved a call up for the Gold Cup, but I’m not crying into my milk about it. I would rather have him with the Dynamo during that stretch… the USMNT has plenty of other capable mids, even if they don’t provide the near-perfect service into the box that Davis does.
The Dynamo really miss Cruz’s energy on the field. His work rate forces the other players to step up or at least hustle a bit. Cameron isn’t the answer at attacking midfield either. He look frustrated on the pitch. Bright spot is definitely Hainault. Along with Davis, he’s been the Dynamo’s most consistent player thus far.
Open, exciting match. If the Red Bulls game felt like a loss for Dynamo, this one feels like a win.