The Houston Dynamo dominated Sunday’s SuperLiga match against MLS rival Chivas USA but were held to a 1-1 tie when Jesus Padilla headed in a corner kick in the 71st minute to tie the match, cancelling an early goal from Lovel Palmer and Houston’s 16-6 shot advantage.
The Dynamo are now 1-0-1 in SuperLiga Group A play, leading the group prior to Sunday’s second game between Pachuca and Puebla. Houston faces Puebla on Wednesday night, and will likely need a win or a tie to advance to the semifinals for the third time in three SuperLiga appearances.
The Dynamo are now 6-1-4 all-time in SuperLiga and 12-3-5 all-time at home in international play. Houston’s all-time international record stands at 13-9-11.
Houston dominated the first 15 minutes of Sunday’s game, with Dominic Oduro getting a shot on goal in the first minute before setting up the opening goal in the sixth minute. Adrian Serioux made a well-weighted pass to the right corner, and Oduro fired in a right-footed cross. The ball was cleared to Houston midfielder Lovel Palmer, who fired a shot inside the left post for his third goal of the season in all competitions.
Chivas USA picked up its play in the middle of the match and tied it with Jesus Padilla's 71st-minute goal. The Dynamo still had several chances to win the game, with Joseph Ngwenya and Cam Weaver both narrowly missing go-ahead goals.
Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall, making his second consecutive start, made two saves, including a close-range chance from Jesus Padilla in the 28th minute.
Midfielder Brad Davis wore the captain’s armband on Saturday, making his 150th career appearance for the Dynamo in all competitions.
Next Game: Wednesday, July 21, 7 p.m., Dynamo vs. Puebla, Robertson Stadium (SuperLiga Group A)
Next MLS Game: Saturday, July 31, 7:30 p.m., Dynamo vs. New York Red Bulls, Robertson Stadium
