Written by Juan Pereira

Photo by Arun Bangura (@driftordiephotography)

In Juan Guerra’s first-ever MLS match as an acting head coach, the Dynamo were able to win back home. The story of the first half was Andrew Tarbell, who made seven saves which kept the Dynamo in the game.

In the 26th minute, Tarbell made an insane double save to keep Colorado off the board, with the second save being much more impressive than the first. Tarbell ended the night with 10 saves, tying Pat Onstad for most saves in a game for a Houston Dynamo FC player.

In the 40th minute, Griffin Dorsey delivered a silky smooth pass to Bassi, who was able to tap in the ball. Bassi started to find the back of the net more often, which is a good sign for a team that uses him in an offensive position rather than a true striker.

To start off the second half, however, Tarbell made a reckless challenge inside of the box which gave Colorado a penalty. Although the Dynamo goalkeeper was able to save the penalty, the rebound found Djordje Mihailovic, who then scored from short range. Once again, the Dynamo gave up a lead in the second half.

In the 66th minute, a cut back pass from the Dynamo found Aliyu, but the winger’s shot from far range was just off the mark.

In the 70th minute, Latif Blessing, who came on for Coco Carrasquilla, scored a long range volley after the Colorado Rapids goalkeeper cleared a corner kick attempt.

Blessing has already scored three goals for the Dynamo since coming here from Toronto; he is only one goal behind Aliyu for the team lead.

Then, in the 80th minute, Sebastian Kowalczyk scored a long range shot after an Aliyu pass saw him find enough space outside the box to shoot. For Aliyu and Kowalczyk, it was a much needed return to the goal contribution column.

After eight minutes of stoppage time, the game ended with the Dynamo finally taking home three points in a game that they deserved to win.

Juan Guerra, who was in charge of coaching the team in Ben Olsen’s absence, won his first ever match as an acting head coach in MLS.

“This wasn’t about me, this was about the team getting the win,” Guerra said after the game. “We were able to link up a performance that led to a very good result.”

Andrew Tarbell, who had one of the better games of his career, also spoke to the media after the match. 

“It’s fun to know that I tied Pat Onstad for the most saves for the Dynamo in a match,” Tarbell said. “It was a good night for everyone.”

The Dynamo will travel to Portland and play against the Timbers this Saturday, June 1, before entering the international break.