Metro powers down Dynamo, 2:0
June 30, 2013
It's hard to call a midseason game a must-win, but this match sure felt like it. Mired in a month-long slump, winless in league play since mid-May, playing a team breathing down their neck in the standings... Well, a win is what Metro got, beating Houston 2:0 in a game that was closer than the final scoreline.
Roy Miller's departure for Gold Cup duty meant that Connor Lade got his first start of the year at left back. Jamison Olave returned from suspension to take his usual spot, as Heath Pearce's self-induced expulsion started. Tim Cahill also returned, starting in his usual place in central midfield. Fabian Espindola replaced Peguy Luyindula up front.
It was Espindola who got Metro on the board in the 60th minute. Eric Alexander sent a perfect through ball up the right side. The Argentine did well to time his run, and finished it inside the penalty area. With only keeper Tally Hall to beat, Espindola did just that, calmly slotting to his left.
Metro had a great chance to double the lead a few minutes later, as sub Luyindula stole the ball, raced on net, but had his shot saved by Hall. The follow-up by the onrushing Titi Henry slammed right into the Houston keeper.
The game was put out of reach two minutes from time. Kosuke Kimura did well to save the ball from going over the touchline. He centered it to Henry; the Frenchman took a few touches and fed Jonny Steele, who made a run on the left. The Irishman's blast ended in the upper right corner.
Olave's return on defense was felt throughout, as Houston could do little to penetrate the once-again-solid Metro defense. Luis Robles did make a terrific save on a breakaway by Giles Barnes in the 49th minute.
So is the slump busted? June sure ended on a good note, but it sure wasn't a banner month. Let's hope it gets better in July...
Lineup: Robles, Lade, Olave, Holgersson, Barklage, McCarty, Steele, Alexander, Cahill, Espindola, Henry. Subs: Luyindula, Kimura, Bover.
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