HOUSTON — There were obstacles, including missed chances, two annulled goals, a missed penalty and a lengthy weather delay, but the Houston Dynamo still emerged with a 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium.
The victory maintained the Dynamo's unbeaten start to the 2019 MLS regular season. But through the opening 45 minutes, with the game scoreless it felt like the breaks might not go their way.
“We created very good options in the first half, even a penalty kick we missed – we missed those options. Of course, we weren’t happy, but in the second half it was a matter of being more organized, disciplined with our tactics and at any moment we knew we had a chance,” said Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera after the match.
The game, delayed 71 minutes at halftime due to lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, could have been another setback for both teams, but the Dynamo regrouped and came out stronger in the second half, even after the Earthquakes tied up the game.
“We suffered a shot, one of the few shots on goal and they scored, but our reaction was good, we continued moving, continue creating dangerous moments, combinations and then we scored the second goal,” said Cabrera.
Compared to last year, Cabrera has been able to have some continuity in his defense and for him it’s the main reason why the team is looking better in 2019. The Dynamo head coach also explained that he does like the rotation of players, but that rotations should be done in the front, not in the back.
Houston may be off to a good start, but they know there's a lot of the season ahead.
“Means a lot, I have been here a short time and to see the continuity of the group so far has been really good for you. I think those [Concacaf Champions League] games really helped kick-start the season for us,” said attacker Marlon Hairston. “This is everything that we wanted coming in to the season.”
