Houston Dynamo 1, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Vancouver Whitecaps FC continued their strong start to the 2018 MLS regular season, defeating the Houston Dynamo 2-1 at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday.

The Whitecaps got on the board in the 28th minute courtesy of Kei Kamara, who drew a penalty from Philippe Senderos in the box. The goal was Kamara's 100th in his MLS career in regular season play. But the Dynamo, who had been controlling the run of play, tied up the match 11 minutes later with a deflected effort from Alberth Elis.

Vancouver retook the lead a few minutes after the restart, as Brek Shea played a give-and-go with Kamara near the center line before breaking away and beating Chris Seitz to make it 2-1. While Houston continued to push for a second equalizer throughout the second half, the Whitecaps held firm to start the season 2-0-0.

Goals

• 28' - VAN - Kei Kamara (PK) Watch
• 39' - HOU - Alberth Elis Watch
• 49' - VAN - Brek Shea Watch

Three Things 

THE BIG PICTURE: The Dynamo were thoroughly dominant in the run of play in this game, and yet the Whitecaps came away with three points. Credit to Kamara for drawing a penalty on one of the rare forays into Houston's box and setting up the game's first goal, and to Whitecaps goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic for a series of highlight-reel saves to keep the visitors in the game. It was a smash-and-grab affair, but there were promising aspects on both sides.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Only 10 players have scored 100 MLS regular-season goals in league history, with Kamara reaching the mark. The goal itself was a rather straightforward penalty, but Kamara's steel in converting demonstrates why he's been a fixture in this league for so long.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kamara had a goal and assist and deserves a shout, but Marinovic had six saves in a very busy shift, on the road, to preserve his team's victory.

Next Up

• Houston Dynamo: Saturday, March 17 at D.C. United (1:30 pm ET | MLS Live - Full TV & Streaming Info)
• Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Saturday, March 17 at Atlanta United (7:30 pm ET | TSN2, MLS Live - Full TV & Streaming Info)