DC United vs. Houston Dynamo Recap: May 18, 2019
D.C. United ended their road trip on a sour note, falling 2-1 to the Houston Dynamo. Despite showing promise in the first half and through much of the game, United could not keep momentum. This loss was devastating on their road trip and spoiled what was their first trip to Houston since 2016.
After a scoreless first half, the Black-and-Red came alive with Wayne Rooney’s goal right after halftime. After that however, it was all Houston. Back-to-back goals were scored in the 67th and 68th minutes by Memo Rodriguez and Tommy McNamara. United’s defense had no answers and plunged the team into disaster. The final blow to United was in the 85th minute, when Paul Arriola was granted a red card for violent conduct, ejecting him from the match. In spite of this loss, United’s Bill Hamid had more saves (2) than Houston’s Joe Willis (1).
D.C. United at 7-3-4 remains tied atop the Eastern Conference with Philadelphia Union. Both teams have 24 points, but United’s goal differential of five is lower. Still, the season is early and United has momentum headed into the next few contests. Once they return home, a more welcoming crowd should make them feel satisfied and return to their winning ways.
