Houston Dynamo eased past Minnesota United at BBVA Compass Stadium to keep afloat in the league table, according to houstondynamo.com. Goals from Alberth Elis (69') and Romell Quioto (85') saw the home team to a 2-1 victory in front of their 16,133 home crowd. Although, the Loons stepped up their play in the second half, but they only responded with a goal at stoppage time through substitute Sam Nicholson. The victory moved Dynamo back over the playoff zone with 43 points, while Minnesota United is ninth with 32 points. Here's an analysis of the match.
Houston Dynamo outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Tyler Deric (6.19). Defender - A.J. DeLaGarza (seven points), Leonardo (6.22), Adolfo Machado (6.86), Dylan Remick (6.17). Midfielder - Ricardo Clark (seven points), Eric Alexander (6.58), Alberth Elis (7.76), Alex (6.37), Romell Quioto (seven points). Forward - Mauro Manotas (6.45). Used substitutes - Andrew Wenger (6.75), DaMarcus Beasley (six points), Vicente Sanchez (7.80).
Team's strength and weakness: Wilmer Cabrera's side created goal chances from long range shots, flanks and set pieces. However, Dynamo's defense were aggressive in their tackles
Style of play: Houston Dynamo largely launched attacks through the center midfield, and they had high shot frequency when in possession.
Minnesota United outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Bobby Shuttleworth (seven points). Defender - Jerome Thiesson (6.15), Francisco Calvo (7.43), Michael Boxall (6.37), Marc Burch (6.52). Midfielder - Ibson (7.18), Collin Martin (6.73), Ethan Finlay (6.36), Kevin Molino (six points), Miguel Ibarra (six points).
Forward - Christian Ramirez (six points). Used substitutes - Johan Venegas (5.87), Abu Danladi (5.95), Sam Nicholson (6.89).
Team's strength and weakness: Minnesota United created goal bound chances from long shot situations.
Style of play: Adrian Heath's side attacked down the left wing, and they also had high shot frequency when in possession.
The Loons favored long shots and short passes.
Man of the Match
Surprisingly, the Man of the Match honor was given to substitute Vicente Sanchez. Sanchez's brilliant assist aided Romell Quioto in notching the second goal and eventually the winner.
Both teams' next matches
Minnesota United will face Atlanta United on the road at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday 4 October, while Houston Dynamo takes on Sporting Kansas City on Thursday 12 October.
