By Brandon Castro
Houston Dynamo FC started the 2021 MLS season with a two-to-one victory over San Jose Earthquakes. The atmosphere at a misty and rainy BBVA Stadium was immense from EL BATALLON, The Surge Supporters Group and most importantly the fans in front of a limited capacity sellout crowd of nearly 6,400. The win was Houston’s eighth all-time victory on Opening Day and the Dynamo’s fifth straight win over San Jose at BBVA Stadium.
The a very high pressing system, Houston Dynamo FC opened the scoreboard in the 39th minute through a nifty individual effort from midfielder Memo Rodriguez, The Dynamo Academy alum received a pass outside the penalty area from midfielder Joe Corona, and used his body to shield against San Jose defender Florian Jungwirth and put himself in alone on goal. Memo Rodriguez beat San Jose goalkeeperJ.T Marcinkowski to the ball and slipped it into the back of the net for the first goal of the 2021 MLS season and first goal for Memo Rodriguez in his campaign. The Dynamo doubled their lead in the 56th minute when forward Maximiliano Urruti buried a shot from nearly the penalty spot. Former USL Indy Eleven player Tyler Pasher set up the goal, driving hard down the left side of the field on the counter before picking out Maxi Urruti with a low centering pass. With the Dynamo not playing with the same intensity as the first half, San Jose pulled a goal back in the 74th minute when defender Paul Marie laced a right-footed shot just inside the far post from outside the penalty area. Defender Shea Salinas played Marie in with a diagonal pass from the left flank, and he cut in on his right foot for the incredible shot, possibly best goal in Week 1. Here is Houston Dynamo’s FC Head Coach Tab Ramos on San Jose’s goal “The goal kind of came out of nowhere at that time. It is an incredible goal, to be honest. I don’t think there is anything you can do about it; it is a great goal. The team is affected mentally for a few moments, but you have to dig yourself out of that hole. We made a couple of substitutions, but in particular, what was important was to keep the middle tight and give space outside. I think we did that fairly well.” Houston Dynamo FC have a long schedule ahead, Next up is a trip to the Pacific Northwest to visit the Portland Timbers on Saturday, April 24. Kickoff for that match is set for 9:30 p.m. CDT
Week One Key Take Awais:
– KEEP MOMENTUM ALL OVER THE FIELD
– KEPT A BETTER STRUCTURAL DEFENSE
– DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION ALL-OVER THE PITCH
– HELD IT DOWN FOR H-TOWN