The Houston Dynamo Reserves opened their 2011 MLS Reserve League schedule with a 1-0 win Monday morning over Sporting Kansas City at Robertson Stadium. Forward Jason Garey scored the game's only goal from a Francisco Navas Cobo free kick in the 67th minute, and goalkeeper Tyler Deric made three saves to earn the shutout.
The game's first chance came in the 15th minute, when Kansas City defender Scott Lorenz got forward on the right side following a set piece, received a long ball from Craig Rocastle, and curled a left-footed shot from inside the penalty area that got around Deric but hit the left post.
Houston's first chance came in the 31st minute when Colin Clark curled in a free kick from the right corner and Garey headed it wide of the far post. The Dynamo threatened again in the 35th minute when Alex Dixon stepped onto his right foot and hit a low, hard shot that Kansas City goalkeeper Eric Kronberg pushed away.
In the second half, Jamaican Je-Vaughn Watson - with the Dynamo on an extended trial - ran onto a loose ball in midfield and carried to the top of the penalty area but drove his shot over the top. Kansas City countered with a chance in the 63rd minute, as KC Juniors product Nate Opperman took a low, left-footed shot that Deric saved despite a fast skip on the wet grass.
Houston broke through with the game's first goal in the 67th minute. Navas Cobo curved in a free kick from 35 yards away, and Garey redirected it with a header near the penalty spot, beating Eric Kronberg inside the left-hand post.
Houston had two chances late through Dynamo Academy players Abé Matamoros (Strake Jesuit) and Nono, but Kronberg stopped shots from Nono and Garey to keep it 1-0.
Kansas City used two youth players and two trialists in the match, while Houston used three youth players as substitutes.
MORE: DYNAMO RESERVES SCHEDULE
Sporting Kansas City (0-1-0) vs. Houston Dynamo (1-0-0)
April 11, 2011 -- Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX
MLS Reserve League -- Central/Mountain Division
Scoring Summary:
HOU -- Jason Garey 1 (Francisco Navas Cobo 1) 67
Sporting Kansas City -- Eric Kronberg, Kevin Ellis, Shavar Thomas, Mike Jones, Scott Lorenz, Luke Sassano (Graham Zusi 11), Stephane Auvray, Craig Rocastle, Korede Aiyegbusi, Nate Opperman (Gualberto Mojica 65), Wes White (Byron Alvarez 58).
Substitutes Not Used: Jon Kempin, Konner Knoll.
Houston Dynamo -- Tyler Deric, Kofi Sarkodie, Eddie Robinson, Jordan Graye, Mike Chabala, Francisco Navas Cobo (Abé Matamoros 82), Je-Vaughn Watson, Josue Soto, Colin Clark (Nono 82), Jason Garey, Alex Dixon (Chance Bergen 71).
Substitutes Not Used: Evan Newton.
Misconduct Summary:
KC -- Stephane Auvray (caution; Reckless Tackle) 42
KC -- Mike Jones (caution; Reckless Foul) 45
HOU -- Colin Clark (caution; Tactical Foul) 61
HOU -- Mike Chabala (caution; Reckless Foul) 84
KC -- Byron Alvarez (caution; Reckless Tackle) 88
All statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial
