The Houston Dynamo are on a good run of form right now. Just ask the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Dynamo extended their unbeaten run to six games on Saturday night with a 3-0 victory over the Earthquakes in a Western Conference affair at BBVA Compass Stadium. Alberth Elis and Vicente Sanchez each had a goal and an assist in the game, which was only 1-0 until the Dynamo tallied twice in the waning moments.
With the win, Houston moved into a tie on points for first place in the west alongside the Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City.
Goals
- 21' – HOU – Alberth Elis Watch
- 86' – HOU – Vicente Sanchez Watch
- 90+4' – HOU – Mauro ManotasWatch
Three Things
- LEADING THE WAY: Both Elis and Sanchez may have recorded a goal and an assist, but it was La Pantera's performance that really stood out. Elis scored the winner via a well-taken header on a set piece in the 21st minute, and then teed up Sanchez's late insurance goal. Elis' looked confident on the dribble on the night, and his aggressive runs caused the Earthquakes fits.
- QUIET UP FRONT: For much of the 90 minutes, San Jose's attack was virtually nonexistent. Despite winning the possession battle by a 55-45 mark, the Earthquakes mustered just three shots on goal. They struggled to break down the Dynamo's defense, and lacked creativity on the night. Valeri Qazaishvili once again started on the bench, but he may need to be inserted into the lineup soon if the club is to avoid anemic attacking performances like Saturday's.
- BIG DECISION: The match may have been close up until the 86th minute, but it could have been blown open early in the second half when Houston won a penalty kick and Andres Imperiale was shown the red card. Referee Ricardo Salazar reversed the decision on Imperiale, however, and gave him just a yellow. The ensuing spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell, and that kept San Jose within striking distance up until the final few minutes when they were punished at the back for throwing numbers forward.
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