Houston – The Houston Dynamo (5-1-1, 16 points) have had one of the best starts in club history, yet something was missing entering last week’s match against Columbus Crew SC — a clean sheet. The Dynamo checked that box with a 2-0 win against the Crew in front of their home crowd.
“It was important for us to close the game to feel like we can have a clean sheet, the first of the season,” Dynamo coach Wilmer Cabrera said. “That is also positive for us, especially for the boys because it is a solid performance when you win 2-0 at home. When you don’t receive a goal, it’s positive we are happy about that.”
It came at a great time, too, since the Dynamo’s next game is the Texas Derby against is state rival FC Dallas.
Manotas is back
Colombian striker Mauro Manotas had an average of 19 goals per 138.58 minutes in 2018 and started out 2019 on track to surpass last year’s. But in the last five games, he was unable to put anything in the back of the net. But he still fully showed his ability to change the course of the game by creating perfect passes that ended in goals against Columbus.
The dry spell ended when Manotas scored in the third minute of the game and reassured Dynamo fans he is there to make goals happen not only by scoring them but also by creating plays for his teammates to score.
“Incredible, a run and a fumble, it’s all for the team and for the victory,” said Manotas when asked about his goal against Columbus Crew.
More Martinez
Many soccer enthusiasts wanted to see more from Tomas Martinez, and the Argentine midfielder has begun to fully reach his potential in the current season. The ex-River Plate player has scored golazos on several occasions, supporting the reasons the Dynamo acquired him.
“I am happy with my level. In the first [season], we reached the end of the conference, and the second [season] we won a cup that the team had never won. In this [season], we are on the right track,” said Martinez when asked about his satisfaction with his level in the Dynamo.
Martinez has been a constant name in the starting XI. In the 2018 season, he played 31 matches as a starter, contributing five goals and 13 assists. This year, the midfielder has two goals both scored in home games.