Houston Dynamo kept their playoffs hopes alive by beating Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night at BBVA Compass Stadium. However, it was Jimmy Medranda that opened the scoring in the thirty-third minute to put Sporting Kc ahead throughout the first half. Afterward, Houston Dynamo leveled up the scoreline courtesy of a Tomás Martínez's clinical finish before Erik Palmer-Brown's own goal doubled the lead and eventually gave the home team the deserving victory at home. Erik Palmer-Brown's own goal proved too costly for Sporting KC, which needed at least a draw to punch their ticket to the 2017 MLS Cup playoffs.
Despite their narrow defeat, Sporting KC remains second in the Western Conference with 48 points. Houston Dynamo moved up to sixth with forty-six points. Here's an analysis of the match.
Houston Dynamo outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Tyler Deric (6.77). Defender - A.J. DeLaGarza (6.52), Leonardo (6.59), Philippe Senderos (6.70), Dylan Remick (6.88). Midfielder - Andrew Wenger (6.76), Ricardo Clark (6.48), Eric Alexander (6.76), Tomás Martínez (8.43). Forward - Mauro Manotas (6.27), Vicente Sanchez (6.87). Used substitutes - Alex (6.76), Jalil Anibaba (six points), Erick Torres (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: the host often stole the ball from Sporting KC players but were weak at finishing.
Also, they were often caught offside and committed a high number of individual errors.
Style of play: Dynamo launched attacks through the center midfield, favored long balls and through balls.
Sporting Kansas City outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Andrew Dykstra (six points). Defender - Saad Abdul-Salaam (7.28), Ike Opara (6.41), Erik Palmer-Brown (5.57), Seth Sinovic (6.49).
Midfielder - Jimmy Medranda (7.24), Roger Espinoza (6.80), Ilie Sánchez (5.91). Forward - Gerso Fernandes (6.44), Latif Blessing (6.18), Dániel Sallói (6.68). Used substitutes - Diego Rubio (5.90), Kharlton Belmar (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Peter Vermes' men were solid setting up chances in front of the goal through individual efforts and flanks.
In their weaknesses, Sporting were often caught offside, lost possession often and were aggressive in their tackles.
Style of play: Sporting KC held more possession in Houston's half and attacked down the left wing.
Man of the Match
Tomás Martínez was impressive in the attack. Martínez struck the equalizer that put the home team back in the contest. Overall, he had a total of fifty-eight touches.
Upcoming fixtures for the both teams
Once again, both sides face each other when Sporting Kansas City play host to Houston Dynamo on Monday, October 16.
