Maric’s three saves, defense secure draw
A late spark in the attack was not quite enough to help the Dynamo score the goal that would have snapped a winless streak that now seems like it might never end.
Luckily for the Dynamo, though, the improving defense played well enough to keep them unbeaten at home with a 0-0 draw against visiting Real Salt Lake at BBVA Stadium.
Houston (3-4-9, 18 points) has not won in nine games, but seven of those results have been ties. The Dynamo now lead the league in ties and are four shy of the franchise record with 18 games remaining in the regular season.
“Ties happen by chance. We’re not trying to tie games,” coach Tab Ramos said. “You saw we were pushing all the way to the end. Even when we are on the road we are trying to win the game.”
Houston played without four regular attacking players. Forward Fafa Picault missed the game due to yellow card accumulation. Forwards Maxi Urruti, Darwin Quintero and Ari Lassiter were out due to health and safety protocols.
The best opportunity the Dynamo had came in the first half when Memo Rodriguez’s shot hit the post from outside the penalty area.
For Real Salt Lake (5-4-6, 21 points) early in the second half, Albert Rusnak hit the corner of the post and crossbar after getting 1-on-1 with Dynamo goalkeeper Marko Maric, who finished with three saves.
Houston finally found some consistency going forward when forwards Tyler Pasher and Corey Baird subbed on in the 62nd minute.
Pasher was with the Canadian National Team through Thursday’s Gold Cup semifinal loss to Mexico in Houston. The Dynamo acquired Baird in a trade with Los Angeles FC on Friday.
In the 71st minute, Baird stretched to hit a shot over the bar. In the 72nd minute, Baird hit a heel tap to Matias Vera near the edge of the 6yard box. Vera’s shot was deflected.
“I thought we were incredibly close on a few occasions,” Baird said. “When teams are playing in this humidity, it is difficult and they can lose their legs late in the game.”
Baird said Ramos told him not to overthink it and to play how he can play.
“He had a great game,” Ramos said. “He barely had a chance to adapt to breathing Houston air and here is he thrown into a game in the second half. It’s not an easy situation.”