Tag Archives: Houston Dynamo

Giovani dos Santos Kicks Winning Penalty in Club America Debut

Posted on by
Reply

Giovani dos Santosis debuting with a banger…

The 30-year-old Mexican professional footballer kicked the winning penalty in his Club America debut as the Liga MX giants overcame Houston Dynamo 6-5 on penalties in the quarterfinal of the Leagues Cup on Wednesday after the game had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Giovani dos Santos

Nico Benedetti had given America the lead in the 73rd minute inside BBVA Stadium, but veteran DaMarcus Beasleystruck a golazo from a tight angle five minutes from time to take the game to penalties after a close-fought 90 minutes.

Dos Santos, a former Barcelonaforward, entered the field in the 57th minute with the score at 0-0 in his first appearance for a Mexican club and was involved in the build-up as Colombian Benedetti latched onto a Nico Castilloback-heel to break through the Dynamo defense and finish.

Houston coach Wilber Cabrerahad made changes to his usual starting XI for the team’s first Leagues Cup game, but the Texan team battled hard in the first half and was the more dangerous side, with America not appearing secure at the back.

But Las Aguilas improved after the break, took the lead through Benedetti and looked to be on course for victory, until 37-year-old Beasley’s late equalizer for the Dynamo.

America goalkeeper Agustin Marchesinsaved Romell Quioto‘s first penalty and Roger Martinezhad the opportunity to win it in round five of the shootout, but his spot kick went over the bar. Dos Santos’ winner came after Samuel Junquahad failed to convert his penalty for the Dynamo.

America will face the winner of Real Salt Lakeversus Tigresin the semifinal of the tournament on August 20, with LA Galaxytaking on Cruz Azulin the other side of the draw.

The Leagues Cup final is on September 18 in Las Vegas.

Gonzalez Named the MLS Cup MVP…

Posted on by
Reply

Omar Gonzalez has etched his name in the Major League Soccer history books…

The 24-year-old Mexican American professional soccer star received the MVP trophy at the 2012 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup after a dominating performance that included scoring the game’s equalizing goal.

Omar Gonzalez

In winning this year’s MVP honors, Gonzalez becomes the first defender ever to win the award.

Gonzalez’s well-placed header in the 61st minute tied the game and helped shift the momentum enough to propel his Los Angeles Galaxy team to a 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo, giving the team it’s second consecutive MLS Cup title.

Gonzalez scored on a crossing pass from Juninho after the Galaxy were unable to convert a corner kick just seconds before.

But it was Gonzlez’s constant effort on defense that likely earned him the trophy, although it was his mistake that allowed the Dynamo to score its lone goal of the night. But Gonzalez atoned quickly, his goal setting off a barrage of scores for the Galaxy that would eventually clinch the MLS Cup for Los Angeles.

Gonzalez suffered a torn ACL less than a year ago, but was able to rehab and return in time to help the Galaxy clinch their MLS championship.

“I never thought for a second that when I made my comeback this season I’d be MVP in the final,” Gonzalez said after the match. “It was a very emotional moment, after my injury I never thought I’d experience something like this. After my operation last winter I really had my doubts [if would get back to my best]. I was seriously wondering what kind of level I would be able to play at again. I know I’m back to where I was before the injury, but the best is yet to come.”