Dynamo Downs Revs

Bobby Shuttleworth made five saves in the Revolution loss on Saturday. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

The Houston Dynamo continued their impressive home form with a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday night. The Revolution kept the Dynamo at bay for much of the match, but fell apart late conceding a 77th minute goal to Ricardo Clark and a 93rd minute strike to Oscar Boniek García.

The loss keeps New England (7-16-8, 29 points) mired in ninth place in the East, while the win keeps Houston (13-8-10, 49 points) in the fifth and final playoff spot in the conference. The Dynamo improved to 10-0-5 at home this season.

New England was forced to make multiple changes to their starting line-up. Stephen McCarthy and Fernando Cardenas replaced the injured Florian Lechner and Lee Nguyen, in defense and midfield, respectively. Benny Feilhaber started in place of Ryan Guy, who was away on international duty, while Dimitry Imbongo got the start ahead of Diego Fagundez up top.

Despite Houston controlling close to 70% of the possession in the first half and the Revolution completing less than 60% of their passes in the opening 45, it was the visitors who looked more dangerous with set piece opportunities. The Revolution first threatened in the 18th minute after Jerry Bengtson earned a free kick just outside the Dynamo box. Feilhaber took the set piece and curled a powerful effort over the wall and on frame that Tally Hall just managed to tip wide for a corner.

New England came close again in the 36th minute on another free kick. This time Feilhaber sent a dangerous ball into the box from left flank, finding McCarthy. With Hall charging out of the net, McCarthy attempted a header, but sent his effort just high of the net.

With the rain pouring down, the Dynamo had a dangerous chance in the 55th minute when Oscar Boniek García sent in a cross from the right flank. García’s effort found Brad Davis, who sent a bouncing header on frame, but Bobby Shuttleworth was well positioned to make the save.

Four minutes later it was the Revolution threatening with a cross from Fernando Cardenas on the left flank. The ball found Bengtson at the far post, but Bengtson sent his header wide from close range.

But, the Dynamo’s superior possession finally seemed to get to the Revolution late as their defense came under more pressure. Shuttleworth came up big to keep the match scoreless in the 74th minute when Will Bruin broke into the left side of the box. The second year striker ran in on goal and drove a low shot on frame that Shuttleworth managed to tip wide with an impressive save.

Three minutes later Shuttleworth was left helpless as the Dynamo scored after some quick passing inside the box. Brian Ching found Brad Davis in the right side of the box and Davis sent in a low right footed cross in front of goal. Davis’ service found Ricardo Clark, who one-touched it past Shuttleworth to give Houston the 1-0 lead.

Houston came close again in the 81st minute as Cam Weaver got behind the defense. Weaver hit a low shot towards goal that beat Shuttleworth, but was denied by the post.

The home team continued to create the better of the chances and Davis forced Shuttleworth into a diving save in the 89th minute with a low drive from just outside the box.

Houston put the game beyond doubt three minutes into stoppage time. With the Revolution pushing numbers forward, the Dynamo took advantage. Near midfield Brian Ching flicked a ball to Warren Creavalle who powered forward down the right flank before sending a cross through the box. The ball came to García in the left side of the box, who volleyed it past Shuttle worth to make it 2-0.

The Revolution return to action on Saturday, Oct. 6, with a trip to face the Philadelphia Union at 7 p.m.