Houston Dynamo forced New York City FC to a 1-1 draw on Saturday. The match was to be played at Yankee Stadium but was moved to the Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford due to a scheduling conflict. NYCFC opened the scoring in the early minutes of the encounter, thanks to a Maxi Moralez's fifth-minute strike that put Patrick Vieira's side ahead. Eleven minutes later, Mauro Manolas leveled up the scoreline for Houston Dynamo. Both teams later attempted counter attacks and shots on target but their efforts were saved, and they eventually settled for a stalemate.

The result moved Wilmer Cabrera's side above the playoff zone in the Western standings. For New York City Fc, the stalemate marked a missed opportunity to move an inch closer to securing a top two seed in the Eastern Conference. Here's a recap of the match.

NYCFC outlook

Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Sean Johnson (6.40). Defender - Andraz Struna (7.12), Frederic Brillant (6.44), Alexander Callens (6.55), Ben Sweat (seven points). Midfielder - Alexander Ring (6.50), Andrea Pirlo (6.32), Jack Harrison (7.20), Maximiliano Morález (7.33), Thomas McNamara (5.90). Forward - David Villa (6.48). Used substitutes - Rodney Wallace (6,32), Khiry Shelton (six points), RJ Allen (six points).

Team's strength and weakness: NYCFC were effective at setting up goal bound chances through individual efforts, long-range strikes and from the flanks. However, they were weak in front of goal.

Style of play: Patrick Vieira's side was dominant, largely launched attacks through the center midfield and favored short passes.

Houston Dynamo outlook

Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Tyler Deric (7.40). Defender - A.J. DeLaGarza (6.58), Leonardo (6.20), Adolfo Machado (6.74), DaMarcus Beasley (6.41). Midfielder - Juan Cabezas (6.44), Óscar Boniek García six points), Tomás Martínez (6.38), Vicente Sanchez (6.50), Alex (5.87).

Forward - Mauro Manotas (seven points). Used substitutes - Alberth Elis (6.43), Eric Alexander (6.28), Andrew Wenger (six points).

Team's strength and weakness: Wilmer Cabrera's men created a high number of opportunities relative to their possession and attempted long-range shots. They were not strong at scoring. However, Dynamo often lost possession of the ball and gave away lots of free-kicks within their half.

Style of play: Dynamo held more possession on NYCFC's half and largely attacked from the left side. They also favored long balls and through balls.

Man of the Match

Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Tyler Deric made some superb and heroic saves for the visitors. His efforts prevented NYCFC's dreadful attackers from finding the back of the net.

Next fixtures for both teams

New York City FC will face Montreal Impact on the road on September 28, while Houston Dynamo welcomes Minnesota United on October 1.
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