The Houston Dynamo Reserves defeated the Columbus Crew Reserves, 1-0, on Sunday morning at Crew Stadium. Houston midfielder Brian Ownby scored on a diving header and goalkeeper Tyler Deric made several important saves as the Dynamo Reserves improved to 4-1-0 this season.
The Dynamo Reserves won despite a depleted roster due to injury and international call-ups. Five Dynamo Academy players featured for the Dynamo, including four starters – Christian Gonzalez, Louis Thomas, Memo Rodriguez and Elo Ozumba – and substitute Irvin Ramirez.
The Dynamo Reserves (4-1-0; 12 points) are in first place in the MLS Reserve League East Division.
After Deric made several outstanding saves to keep the game scoreless early on, Ownby produced the game’s only goal. Alex Dixon received the ball on the right flank and whipped in a cross toward the penalty spot. Ownby and Columbus goalkeeper Matt Lampson converged on the cross, and Ownby dove to bravely head the game-winner past Lampson for a 1-0 lead.
It was Ownby’s second Reserve League goal this season. It was Dixon’s first assist.
Deric’s busy morning began in the fourth minute when he saved a clear shot from Ryan Finlay. Seven minutes later, a counter attack from Columbus resulted in a chance for Ben Speas, but Deric made another important save.
In the 14th minute, Aaron Schoenfeld was alone 10 yards from goal and Deric made a save with his left foot. Five minutes later, Schoenfeld had another chance and Deric stood tall again.
The Dynamo created several chances in the second half, beginning in the 51st minute, when Dixon had a chance from an Ownby cross, but Lampson made the save. Two minutes later, Ownby’s shot from 12 yards nearly found the side of the net but skipped passed the far post.
Dixon came close to scoring in the 87th minute, capping off an impressive buildup from Houston with a strong shot from the top of the box that crashed off the cross bar.
The Dynamo Reserves return to action on Saturday, June 8 with a road game against the Charleston Battery of USL Pro.
