Football
2019 Major League Soccer, Regular Season
HOU 
2
FT
 DC
1
Reuters 5y

Dynamo get two quick goals to rally past D.C. United

Memo Rodriguez and Tommy McNamara each scored within a one-minute span to lead the Houston Dynamo to a 2-1 comeback victory over visiting D.C. United on Saturday.

After struggling for over an hour against a tough D.C. United defense, Houston finally broke through in the 67th minute on an individual effort from Rodriguez. The midfielder took the ball into the box, evaded two defenders and then fired inside the far post for his fifth goal of the season.

Only a minute later, McNamara put Houston (7-2-2, 23 points) ahead after converting a cross by Adam Lundkvist from the far side. It was McNamara's first goal since joining the Dynamo in the offseason.

The two goals brought a sudden end to a 266-minute scoreless streak for D.C. United (7-4-3, 24 points) and goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who had seven shutouts over the club's first 13 matches.

Neither team generated consistent pressure during a scoreless first half, but Wayne Rooney kicked off the second half with a goal in the 46th minute.

A Houston turnover just past midfield led to a quick series of passes from D.C. United, culminating in a Ulises Segura pass through the box to an open Rooney at the near post. The goal was Rooney's seventh of the season.

D.C. United's chances at their own comeback were dealt a blow after Paul Arriola was issued a red card in the 85th minute. Arriola will be suspended for D.C.'s next MLS match, May 25 at the New England Revolution.

Houston defender Aljaz Struna received a yellow card in stoppage time, and will now miss the Dynamo's next game (May 25 at Minnesota United FC) due to caution accumulation.

The Dynamo are unbeaten (6-0-2) at home this season.

Both Rodriguez and McNamara came off the bench for the Dynamo, with Rodriguez replacing Alberth Elis only 10 minutes into the game. Elis collided heads with Steven Birnbaum just seconds after the opening whistle, and after an attempt to continue, he was ultimately removed from the match.

^ Back to Top ^