Dynamo get two early goals and Deric shuts down Galaxy in 3-0 win over L.A.
Bruin, Davis record first-half goals, and goalie Deric holds L.A. at bay to help struggling club win at home
The struggling Dynamo came into Saturday night’s match against the Los Angeles Galaxy desperate for a win. Losses have been mounting for the Orange, who will have to continue to fight in order to secure a playoff spot with the MLS season past the halfway point.
On Saturday, before a sellout crowd of 22,445 at BBVA Compass Stadium, the Dynamo got that muchneeded win. Boosted by first-half goals from Will Bruin and Brad Davis and the solid play of goalkeeper Tyler Deric, the Dynamo defeated the Galaxy 3-0.
“The past results that we’ve been getting, it hasn’t been reflecting the attitude this team has,” said Deric, who had three saves. “Tonight, everybody was tuned in.
“We really needed this win and knew it. I’m glad we went out there and got three points.” L.A. stars kept in check
The Galaxy had possession 62 percent of the match. But the Orange neutralized the Galaxy’s star players Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard.
“Possession is one thing; possession with penetration is a different thing,” first-year Dynamo coach Owen Coyle said. “The important thing is when we had a possession, we penetrated. We scored three goals tonight; it could have been five or six.
“There were many things that wewere pleased with. Moving forward, there’s a lot to be pleased about.”
The Dynamo came into the match ninth out of 10 Western Conference clubs and the Galaxy (9-7-7) second in the conference.
The Dynamo (7-8-6) scored first on Bruin’s clubleading ninth goal. Bruin took a touch and finished just outside the net in the 9th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Leonardo.
Davis’ goal in the 27th minute gave the Dynamo a 2-0 lead. Nathan Sturgis found Davis, who found the right side of the goal past a diving Brian Rowe from 22 yards for his first MLS goal of the year and his fourth shot on goal this season.
The middle of Los Angeles’ defense had some holes, and the Orange took advantage.
“I know I can be a top striker in this league,” Bruin said. “What we’ve done now is in the past. We’ll make a run for the playoffs.”
Leonel Miranda got the closer on a breakaway in the 88th minute, finding the top corner. Rasheed Ola-biyi, who came on as a substitute in the 87th minute, made an immediate impact, assisting on Miranda’s goal.
The Dynamo came into Saturday’s match eight points out of a playoff spot and played well against an opponent that had won four of its last five matches, outscoring opponents 20-6 in that span. The Dynamo have only 13 matches left to make a playoff push. Getting defensive
On Saturday, the Dynamo defended well, cutting off numerous dangerous passes.
Gerrard was playing in only his second MLS game. A former captain of the English national team, he joined the Galaxy, winner of the 2014 MLS Cup, from Liverpool, where he starred for 17 seasons.
The Dynamo kept Keane in check. Keane had scored consecutive hat tricks in league play and has three in all competitions this season. His career four hat tricks are tied for thirdmost in MLS.
“Defensively, we work extremely well together,” Deric said. “We were communicating.”
Defender Sheanon Williams made his Dynamo debut on Saturday, and forward Erick “Cubo” Torres made his Dynamo home debut. Torres came on as a substitute in the 69th minute, replacing Bruin with the Dynamo ahead 2-0.