adminTEENAGE Hadebe’s Houston Dynamo FC opened the 2023 Major League Soccer season with a 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Sunday.
Cincinnati forward Sergio Santos had the first shot of the game in the 16th minute off a cross from Álvaro Barreal.
The duo would find each other again three minutes later and Santos beat the Dynamo goalkeeper at the near post for the first goal of the game.
Defender Tate Schmitt scored the equalizer in first half stoppage time off a corner kick from captain Héctor Herrera. Schmitt joined the Dynamo on trial this preseason and signed a contract with the team on Feb. 17.
Cincinnati regained the lead in the 48th minute after Obinna Nwobodo capitalized on a second ball inside the box, his effort was deflected by a Dynamo defender but ultimately crossed the goal line.
Dynamo defender Franco Escobar denied a right-footed effort from Barreal three minutes after the opening goal at the edge of the box.
Franco was one of four players to earn their first start with the Dynamo.
The outside back won possession eight times and won four duels.
Midfielder Coco Carrasquilla forced a save in the 25th minute from goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
The Cincinnati backline was tested again in the ensuing sequence as Houston generated pressure in the final third.
Franco forced a save in the 66th minute after tidy dribbling inside the box to create space for a shot.
The Dynamo close the two-game road trip to open the 2023 season next Saturday at Gillette Stadium against the New England Revolution.
Houston will unveil the newly renovated Shell Energy Stadium in March when they host their home opener on March 18. – Houston Dynamo.
Online Reporter