Another week, another great escape by the Houston Dynamo. Eight days after surviving a furious charge in the dying minutes in Seattle with a point earned, the Dynamo made it out alive again on Saturday after another late onslaught to pull out a 1-1 draw with New York at Red Bull Arena.
On the back of another outstanding performance from goalkeeper Tally Hall – who had another big night with nine saves – Houston held strong to pick up a second consecutive point at one of MLS’ toughest places to play.
“We played a good team that was attacking us very hard,” said Hall. “So coming out of here with a point is not something we’re disappointed about, but we’re still looking for that first win.”
In support of Hall, the Dynamo defense put forth a stiff effort late in the match. After a first half where the Dynamo defense dictated the pace of play, the back line found itself under pressure throughout the second half, starting with Dane Richards' 47th-minute goal that was set up by former Dynamo star Dwayne De Rosario.
Rallying to stop the bleeding, the Houston defense was aided by Cam Weaver’s 50th-minute strike. By equalizing quickly, the Dynamo were able keep the match close and continue to put pressure on the home team.
“The response was perfect, because being down a goal is tough,” said head coach Dominic Kinnear. “They've got good players, they can possess the ball, so to get that response gave us a lift, and I think it kind of shocked them a bit.”
The late defensive stand gives the Dynamo a welcome positive to build upon coming off of two tough road matches. Heading into a stretch where the club plays four of its next five league games at home, performances like Saturday’s will give the club confidence to capitalize on their home-field advantage.
“In the beginning of the season, when the team is still trying to find its groove,” said midfielder Geoff Cameron, “it just shows the character of the team this year, compared to last year, where we could have lost this point tonight. And I think that's a good step in the right direction.”
Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com. Follow on twitter at @dynamoexaminer.
