The Houston Dynamo fell to a 3-0 defeat on the road against the Colorado Rapids Saturday night, stunned by a controversial red card just 10 minutes into the match. Rapids forward Conor Casey notched a goal and two assts on the night. Houston returns to action on Sunday, September 5, hosting the San Jose Earthquakes as the Dynamo try to continue their push for a playoff berth.
The Dynamo fell behind in just the second minute on Saturday, as Jamie Smith broke in behind the Dynamo back line, took a pass from Conor Casey, and slotted a shot past Pat Onstad for his first career MLS goal.
The game turned in the 10th minute, when Dynamo midfielder Lovel Palmer and Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni collided while chasing a loose ball in mid-air near the halfway line. Palmer was whistled for a foul on the play, and Mastroeni appeared to kick out at Palmer while on the ground following the play. Palmer was ejected, apparently for retaliating, and Mastroeni was only issued a yellow card.
It was the sixth red card against the Dynamo this year and the second against Lovel Palmer. He will miss next Sunday’s game due to national team duty and will serve his suspension in the Dynamo’s next game.
Colorado took advantage of the red card with goals in the 16th and 23rd minutes. Conor Casey was responsible in part for both, timing a great run on the right to set up Omar Cummings for one goal and heading in the rebound of a Mehdi Ballouchy shot for the other.
Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad made four saves on the night in defeat. Houston defender Bobby Boswell made his 105th, defender Richard Mulrooney his 95th, and Geoff Cameron his 65th career start for the Dynamo in all competitions.
Houston has now gone 42 consecutive MLS and playoff games without recording consecutive victories. The Dynamo last won back-to-back league games on June 10 and June 13, 2009.
Next Game: Sunday, September 5, 7:30 p.m., Dynamo vs. San Jose Earthquakes, Robertson Stadium
