SuperLiga 2010: Houston Dynamo Slug Out A Win Over Puebla FC

(Puebla FC midfielder Yasser Corona (14) and Houston Dynamo defender Mike Chabala (17) go for the ball in SuperLiga 2010 action at Robertson Stadium. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 21, 2010) After a rash of red and yellow cards beginning in the 84th minute, the Houston Dynamo held on to down Puebla FC 1-0 to win Group B of SuperLiga 2010.

Houston Dynamo needed either a win or tie against Puebla FC to advance to the semifinals of SuperLiga 2010.

Both teams failed to score in the first half, each having three total shots with no shots on goal.

In addition, both teams were issued only one yellow card each. Houston midfielder Lovel Palmer was carded in the 11th minute for a reckless tackle, while Puebla defender Juan Garcia was cited in the 35th minute for the same offense.

Even the fouls were kept to a minimum with Puebla committing seven and the Dynamo called for 10.

The second half when about the same as the first….until the Dynamo finally found the goal and both teams receive that unwanted rash of yellow and red cards.

In the 64th minute, forward Dominic Oduro received a header from forward Cam Weaver and knocked the ball past Puebla goalkeeper Edgar Hernandez for the only score of the match. The score was Oduro’s fourth goal of the season.

Then “all hell broke loose” with that rash of yellow and red cards that cost both teams players for the remainder of the match. Pushing, shoving, and slapping occurred which stopped play until it could be sorted out. As usual, extra time was added to compensate for the missed playing time.

Other players, as a result of excessive yellow cards in the tournament or red cards issued in this match, will have to sit out the next SuperLiga game for both teams.

After everything was settled, two players from each team were ejected, along with 12 cards issued; eight yellow and four red. Seven of the cards were to the Dynamo and five to Puebla.

As the Group A champion, the Dynamo will face Monarcas Morelia at Robertson Stadium in the semifinals the first week of August. Puebla will face Group B champion New England Revolution at a yet undetermined date.