By RYAN TOLMICH
Exactly one week after combining for six scores, Toronto FC and the Houston Dynamo brought the goals out of each other yet again.
The two Eastern Conference sides split four first-half finishes, drawing 2-2 Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Dynamo forward Will Bruin started the scoring in the 11th minute by taking advantage of an errant backpass from TFC defender Bradley Orr to a charging Joe Bendik. Orr and Bendik’s miscommunication left Bruin with an open net, and the Dynamo forward took advantage of the error to make the score 1-0.
TFC equalized just seven minutes later via Gilberto, who scored just seconds after Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis’ shot was saved on the other end. TFC’s methodical counter saw the ball move through the Dynamo defense before finding its way to Gilberto, who took a heavy touch in the box before firing past Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall.
The hosts restored their lead just eight minutes later, as Giles Barnes fired past from distance in the 26th minute to give the Dynamo a 2-1 lead. Barnes took a pass from Ricardo Clark and into space before shooting from 25 yards and past a cheating Bendik.
Despite a 28th minute Michael Bradley penalty miss, TFC’s Dominic Oduro netted the game’s fourth and final goal in extra time after a spectacular run and cross from TFC’s Luke Moore. Moore sprinted his way towards the backline past Dynamo defender AJ Cochran before playing a cross through the Dynamo box, past Hall and into the path of Oduro, who tapped in to even things at two, where things remained until full time.
TFC will now look towards Wednesday’s friendly with Tottenham Hotspur, while the Impact return to action next Saturday when they take on the Columbus Crew.
Here are the match highlights:
