Pasher’s goal difference in Charities Cup
Following a scoreless first half, the Dynamo came out more aggressive to start the second half and it quickly paid off.
Tyler Pasher did an outstanding job of getting behind the defense over the final 45 minutes. His goal in the 50th minute paved the way for a 1-0 win over Atlético de San Luis of LigaMX in the Dynamo Charities Cup at PNC Stadium.
Since Saturday’s match was a friendly, both clubs were allowed unlimited substitutions instead of five. Players were still not allowed to re-enter the pitch. The Dynamo have nine players away on international duties, resulting in young players receiving valuable minutes.
Pasher’s goal five minutes into the final half showed great recognition, as well as staying onside. After an outstanding run, Pasher placed his left-footed offering through the legs of goalkeeper Andres Sanchez at the far post.
Atlético San Luis is the fifth club from Mexico the Dynamo have faced in the Charities Cup.
Houston hasn’t played a Major League Soccer match since May 28. The Dynamo are a week out of playing Orlando City on the road. There was importance of playing in the midst of the season, getting in game rhythm during a break of MLS play.
“A great opportunity for us, it’s great to get a game in this break,” first-year Dynamo coach Paulo Nagamura said. “It’s great to test things out with our players, but more importantly to have a real game in preparation for next week against Orlando. It’s always a good experience to open up your horizons and play against these teams.”
Dynamo defender Tim Parker welcomed playing outside of league competition.
“It’s good experience, it’s a different kind of experience in terms of how LigaMX plays, compared to MLS,” Parker said. “It’s a good opportunity for our guys to get a taste of that and at the same time, it’s an opportunity for us to work on stuff we want to do to have a better second half of the year.”
The Dynamo weren’t efficient enough in the 10th minute, throwing away a chance to break through.
Memo Rodriguez received a great ball from Darwin Quintero. Rodriguez’s shot came right back to him after forcing Marcelo Barovero to make a save. His second effort went over the top.
Later in the first half, a Quintero header went off the cross bar from a Sam Junqua delivery.
Houston, as well as ASL, made wholesale changes in the second half. Among those sharing playing time was Xavier Valdez, who replaced Steven Clark in goal for the second half.
Atlético San Luis (7-2-8) is in 10th place in Liga MX, the first division in Mexican professional soccer. The team is managed by André Jardine, who before joining Liga MX led the Brazilian U-23 national team to a gold medal in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Saturday’s match was the first Dynamo Charities Cup since 2018 and 11th edition. This year’s Charities Cup benefits Kids’ Meals Houston.