In the grand scheme of things a point at the Eastern Conference leaders is a positive. But how that draw came about can make that particular silver lining tough to see for the Houston Dynamo
A minute away from what would have a been three key points towards their playoff run, Houston had a momentary lapse cost them the full spoils when Sporting Kansas City forward C.J. Sapong finally found a way to finish a header that meant a tough 1-1 draw for the Dynamo.
“We pride ourselves on the way we finish games and for us to give that goal was frustrating,” goalkeeper Tally Hall told MLSsoccer.com by phone. “It is frustrating to give up a late goal but it’s a good performance by us and it’s one that can give us momentum. Even as frustrating as it is we can take quite a few positives from that game.”
In one of MLS’s toughest places to play, the Dynamo did what they had to do to get that win for nearly 93 minutes.
While Sporting controlled possession – especially in the first half – and had a decided advantage in shots (28-6), the Dynamo held firm, putting on a bend-but-don’t-break defensive performance anchored by a sterling outing from Hall. The Dynamo 'keeper kept his team in the game, making a season high seven saves including several highlight reel stops on Sapong early.
OPTA Chalkboard: Houston finally break down after 93 solid minutes
While there are positives, in the end, Houston’s reward was downgraded by one of the few moments they failed to execute.
“If we just clear the ball one more time it’s there but this game’s a matter of inches and that’s what it came down to,” Brad Davis, who set a personal best with his seventh goal of the season, told MLSsoccer.com.
“It’s very hard because we don’t go into any game just trying to get a point,” the captain continued. “We go in trying to win the game and we tasted it and it was there. Guys fought like crazy and came out of here with a well earned point but, all in all, we came for three and we just weren’t able to come away with it. Tomorrow maybe we can look back on it and a point here isn’t the worst thing.”
When they do look back they will see that the hard-fought draw makes for a positive season series against one of the best teams in the East.
“Hard-earned point as far as I’m concerned, the guys battled hard,” said head coach Dominic Kinnear. “The way it came about is tough but when you look at it, taking five out of nine points from Kansas City the guys should be pretty proud.”
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com.
