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Houston Dynamo started on the wrong foot in the Leagues Cup as they lost at home 1-0 against Liga MX’s side Atlas.
The Dynamo squad debuted in this international tournament with the mission of keeping the good form they have shown in their MLS season as they are currently in sixth place on the Western conference. The team led by coach Ben Olsen knows they can use these games to close gaps and be ready to finish the MLS season and battle for the championship.
Photo: Miguel Garcia
On the other side, Atlas wants to remain undefeated in the second semester of the year as they started their league action with two wins and two draws after four matches in Liga MX. Also, this tournament gives the Guadalajara team an opportunity to showcase their young talent internationally.
Both teams used their best possible lineups. Houston had Atur, Amine Basi, Hector Herrera, and ‘Coco’ Carrasquilla (who unfortunately was substituted due to a leg injury). On the other hand, Atlas played with Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, Jhon Murillo, and Eduardo Aguirre. Therefore, the talent was on the field and the party was on the stands.
The match was mostly controlled by Atlas throughout the ninety minutes. However, the best options to score were created by the home team. New Dynamo player, Ezequiel Ponce had a couple of chances to open the scoreboard, but his last touch was not on point on Saturday.
Atlas had a clear strategy. They wanted to control the ball and attack using their speed on the sides. With that, they neutralized Dynamo players Dorsey and Escobar, who did not have many chances to support the Orange’s attack.
The goal came for Atlas late in the match. When everyone thought the match was ending with a 0-0 Atlas fullback Rivaldo Lozano scored a golazo from outside the box. With only 7 minutes left on the clock, Dynamo was inoperative in offense and were not able to score the equalizer.
Photo: Miguel Garcia
With the loss, Dynamo sees their chances to advance in this competition fading away. They need to beat the other team in this group, Real Salt Lake by as many goals as they can and hope the Utah team beats Atlas by one goal.
Dynamo and RSL will face each other on Monday August 5 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston to finish the Leagues Cup action at least in their Group stage.
(Editor’s Note: For more of Miguel Garcia’s photos from the evening, please click on the link to his gallery.)
