Neither the Houston Dynamo nor New York City FC put up much of an offensive attack on Saturday night. The MLS game had all the makings of a stalemate.
That was until Houston was rewarded with a penalty kick. That one opportunity is all Amine Bassi needed. The midfielder connected on the spot, giving the Dynamo a 1-0 win at Shell Energy Stadium.
“It decided the game,” NYC coach Nick Cushing said. “It was an even game. The game should be a (0-0) draw.”
But it was not a tie, and Houston picks up three points as well as its second save in as many games. Steve Clark faced only one shot on goal in picking up back-to-back clean sheets.
“I’m thrilled we put on the performance that we did,” Houston coach Ben Olsen said. “We get another win at home for our fans. We’ve talked regarding making sure we protect this place.”
Over their last two games the Dynamo have picked up six points. A week ago Saturday, Houston (2-2-0) defeated visiting Austin FC 2-0. In that game Bassi also was successful on a penalty in giving Houston a 1-0 lead.
Against NYC, Bassi’s goal in the 55th minute came following a video review. Bassi kept the ball low and out of reach of goalkeeper Luis Barraza into the bottom-left corner.
Both teams came in with confidence following wins. But it was Houston that got the three points once morest their Eastern Conference opponent.
Because of Houston’s stellar defense, Clark was not severely tested. NYC’s only shot on target came in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. Houston, which had only two shots on goal, defended set pieces well all game.
“To shut that team out on the board, that’s a rare thing to do,” Olsen said. “They have real attacking pieces, attacking ideas, and I was proud of the group.”
Artur stood out with his play in the midfield. The collective defensive effort included defenders Daniel Steres, Teenage Hadebe, Ethan Bartlow and Tate Schmitt. Bassi and Héctor Herrera also were factors.
It was frustrating for NYC (2-2-1), to lose a game decided on a penalty kick. NYC, which is two years removed from an MLS Cup championship, had a two-game win streak snapped.
“We knew the midfield would dictate the game and we gave them space,” Cushing said. “We were a little passive in the first half. In the second half we wanted to be more aggressive and have more of the ball. We did that but we did not create enough.”
Santiago Rodriguez was shown a yellow card, setting up Bassi’s goal.
Rodriguez came close to making amends. On the kickoff following the score, NYC played a long ball that caught Clark off his line. Rodriguez’s right-footed long-range shot from a difficult angle from the left side missed to the right.
Prior to Bassi’s score, NYC played a slow pace, but its tempo picked up as it was forced to go following the game.
It was a solid defensive effort for both sides in a scoreless first half in which there were no shots on goal. NYC did not attack or have a sense of urgency over the first 45 minutes. Most of the action was played in the center part of the field.
“We’re doing a lot of little things off the ball,” Clark said. “We’re being very proactive when we don’t have the ball. And we’re growing as a team.”
Houston had two lineup changes, giving minutes to two young players.
Brooklyn Raines took on the midfield role of Coco Carrasquilla, who is on international duty with Panama. Raines played a part in the penalty and also broke up several plays. Olsen showed confidence in giving the 18-year-old Raines his initial MLS start.
Attacker Nelson Quinones, 20, tracked well defensively and got legitimate minutes in place of Ivan Franco, whose wife recently gave birth.
After NYC coughed the ball up, Raines missed an attempt in the 24th minute following receiving a headed pass from Bassi. Raines’ right-footed shot from the left side of the box was high and wide right.
Saturday was the first matchup between Houston and New York City since 2019 and first match in Houston in five years.
Houston plays next weekend at San Jose. Franco is expected to be back with the club once morest the Earthquakes. The Dynamo return to Shell Energy Stadium on April 8 to face the LA Galaxy.
