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.”

The 2,004 attendees at the match saw nine yellow card issued; five to Kansas City and four to Houston.

The loss dropped the Dynamo's record to 3-5-7 (16 points), while Kansas City improved to 7-5-2 (23 points). Houston will face FC Dallas on Wednesday, October 7, in the next leg of the Texas Derby, at BBVA Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CST.