Houston downs FC Dallas 2-0 in Texas Derby match

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 7, 2020) In a match which saw six yellow cards issued and the ejection of a key player, the Houston Dynamo fought to a 2-0 victory over FC Dallas at BBVA Stadium on Wednesday evening. In stoppage time of the first half, Houston forward Mauro Manotas was issued a yellow card, which was later changed to a red card, on a sliding tackle gone awry, which forced the Dynamo to play the second half a man down. After the game, in the post-game press conference, head coach Tab Ramos was questioned on how the red card against Manotas changed his strategy of the game. 

“It happened by chance. Mauro is not that kind of an aggressive player. He just tried to make a good effort, and unfortunately, he made a bad foul and we had to pay for that. It forcMariced us to go into a 4-4-1 with Darwin Quintero up top. Darwin showed that he can put this team on his shoulders, and he showed that today. I thought it was an amazing effort from him to keep us in the game.”

Houston's first goal came as the in the 20th minute when Quintero (shown above) fired a left-footed shot into the back of the net from 12 yards out. Forward Ari Lassiter set up the goal when he stripped a Dallas defender of the ball 25 yards from goal and quickly slipped a pass to Quintero in the middle of the area. Quintero took a touch to create a shooting angle and then tucked his shot just inside the far post.

As a result of a successful penalty kick, the Dynamo added the insurance goal when midfielder Darwin Cerén found the back of the net in the 83rd minute.  The win gave Houston their first win over Dallas this season and raised their all-time record against their Texas rival to 12-12-14. 

Ramos also commented on goalkeeper Marco Maric's performance. The Austrian recorded eight safe, whoi h earned him the "Man of the Match" honors

“Marco had a great game. He made a bunch of great saves and led the defense really well. He communicated well, and I think he’s starting to build on his experience well in the league. That’s a great thing considering he’s probably one of the youngest goalkeepers starting in the MLS. We’re really happy about that.”

Next up for the Dynamo is a first-ever matchup against Inter Miami CF on Saturday, October 10. The game will be broadcast on Univision/TUDN and is scheduled for a 4 p.m. CT start.

Houston Dynamo fall 2-1 to Sporting Kansas City

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 3, 2020) The Houston Dynamo fell behind in the first half and could not overcome the offense of Sporting Kansas City, dropping a 2-1 decision at BBVA Stadium on Saturday evening. Kansas City jumped out to and early 1-1 lead in the 34th minute and added a second goal late in the game. Houston found the back of the net in the 84th minute, but it was not enough; dropping their second game to KC in four matches this season.

Previously, Houston fell to their Western Conference opponent by the score of 4-0 on March 7; prior to the COVIOD-19 shutdown. Once Major League Soccer resumed play (Phase 1), Houston downed Kansas City 5-2 on August 25 (in Kansas City) and won by a 2-1 margin in Houston on September 9.

Houston head coach Tab Ramos stated after the match:

“I think for 60 to 65 minutes we played pretty well. Unfortunately, like its happened in the last few games, we can’t take advantage of the way we play and take that into a lead in the game. We’re falling behind. I think Kansas City scored their goal on their first shot on goal in the 30th minute. We had quite a few chances to be up in the game before that – we’re having a little trouble finishing right now. We just have to deal with that and be strong because we’re creating the opportunities, but not putting them away.”

 

Forward Alan Pulido struck paydirt in the 34th minute to give Kansas City the early 1-0 lead; with an assist credited midfielder Gianiuca Busio. They added their second goal of the match in the 73rd minute, when Pulido secured a brace; pushing their lead to 2-0. Houston responded 11 minutes later; on a solid pass from forward Darwin Quintero to defender Sam Junqua to finally get Houston on the scoreboard. Junqua stated:

“I just tried to do my best and worked as hard as I could, getting on the ball and trying to make something happen. I tried to run and give it all for my team, and I think I achieved most of that.”

Deer Park Cougars kickoff Gabby Romero Tournament with pool game win

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (October 3, 2020) The Deer Park Cougars 12U softball team kicked off the Gabby Romero Memorial Tournament with a 1-1 record in pool play at Burke Crenshaw Park in Pasadena, Texas with a 1-1 record in pool play. After dropping a 8-3 decision to the Pasadena Element in their first game of pool play, the Cougars rallied back to down the Deepwater Explosion by the score of 7-6.

Against Deepwater, the Cougars trailed after the first inning when the Explosion scored two runs in the bottom of the inning, after failing to score. Deer Park rallied back in the second inning, scoring five runs to take a 5-2 lead in the top of the second. Deepwater regained the lead in the bottom of the second; scoring four runs, with the Cougars trailing by one going into the third inning. Deer Park was able to score the tying and go ahead runs in the third inning to secure the win.

The Cougars bats were hot against Deepwater, with shortstop Keira Jennings and third baseman Kirstin Kelly connecting for thiples and right fielder Hayley Poe and pitcher Jordyn Halik hitting doubles. Catcher Maddie Farmer led Deer Park with two stolen bases, with Poe and MA Minor adding one each to the Cougars' total. Kelly recorded two RBI in the game, the most for both teams. 

Seven players scored single runs for the Cougars; including second baseman Zayda Jauregui, center fielder Arianny Cantu, Farmer, Minor, Jenkins, Halik, and Poe. Designated player/right field Paige Taylor reached base twice and advanced runners into scoring position to aid in the offensive effort for Deer Park. On the mound, Halik saw faced 14 batters, throwing 48 pitches, with 19 of them for strikes; in addition to striking out two and walking four.

The Cougars are coached by Larry King, Hillary Williams, and Dale Yurt.