Houston Dynamo FC claimed a dramatic 2-1 Major League Soccer victory over Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium on Wednesday night, with Mateusz Bogusz delivering the decisive goal in the 87th minute.
After a cagey, goalless first half, Houston found the breakthrough on 57 minutes through Guilherme Augusto. The Dynamo had held a slight edge in possession and created the sharper chances, finishing with 12 shots and six on target to Real Salt Lake’s nine attempts and four on target.
Real Salt Lake responded admirably and pulled level in the 76th minute when Saba Lobjanidze found the net. The visitors had battled to stay in the fixture despite conceding 18 fouls and collecting four yellow cards, and Lobjanidze’s equaliser set up a tense closing stretch in Houston.
But the hosts had the final word. Bogusz struck in the 87th minute to restore Houston’s advantage, ensuring the Dynamo took all three points after Real Salt Lake had threatened to leave Texas with a valuable result.
The opening period had been short on clear openings but not without edge. Diego Luna and Juan Arias were booked for Real Salt Lake in the first half, while Houston’s Héctor Herrera saw yellow shortly before Augusto broke the deadlock. Colin Guske was also cautioned for the visitors in the second half, with Philip Quinton booked deep into stoppage time.
Houston’s 51.5 percent possession, two assists and 10 shot assists reflected a controlled attacking display, even if Real Salt Lake remained dangerous enough to force a late response. The result leaves Houston with a 13-4-7 league record, while Salt Lake drop to 8-5-10.
Houston Dynamo FC return to action on Saturday, September 12, when they host San Jose Earthquakes. Real Salt Lake will look to respond the same day away to New York City FC.
Goals
- Houston Dynamo FC: Guilherme Augusto, 57′
- Real Salt Lake: Saba Lobjanidze, 76′
- Houston Dynamo FC: Mateusz Bogusz, 87′
