San Jose Earthquakes made their one shot on target count, with Daniel Munie’s 38th-minute goal securing a hard-earned 1-0 MLS win over Houston Dynamo FC at PayPal Park on Saturday night.
Houston controlled long stretches of the match, finishing with 62.2 percent possession and five shots on target, but the Earthquakes delivered the decisive moment before the interval. Munie found the breakthrough in the 38th minute to give San Jose a 1-0 half-time lead.
The visitors continued to press after the restart, earning three corners and matching San Jose’s 10 total shots, but the home side remained compact and committed without the ball. San Jose absorbed pressure, defended its penalty area effectively and protected its narrow advantage through the closing stages.
It was a physical contest, with San Jose committing 17 fouls and Houston 14. Ronaldo Vieira and Beau Leroux were booked for the Earthquakes during the first half, while Benjamin Kikanovic saw yellow late on. Houston defender Agustín Resch was also cautioned in the 75th minute.
Munie’s 38th-minute strike proved the difference on a night when the Earthquakes had only 37.8 percent of possession and one effort on target. Houston created more on-target attempts but could not find a way beyond San Jose’s resilient defensive display.
The Earthquakes next host LAFC on Saturday, September 19. Houston Dynamo FC return home the same day to face FC Cincinnati.
