HOUSTON -- If Coach Dominic Kinnear were to list each of his goals for Saturday night’s match against CD Águila, the team likely accomplished all of them; raise money for charity, win, stay injury free, get some experience for some of his younger players and continue to evaluate the team’s three trialists in a competitive game.
Kinnear was clearly pleased with the way his team performed. In addition to posting a shut-out and having four different players score goals, the team pressed in the second half when it could have easily chosen to sit on its lead.
“I think the team played fine,” said Kinnear. “[CD Águila] are a team that we should beat by this margin and I think the goals were good and it was good unselfish play.”
In addition to posting a win, several young players also contributed to the team’s cause. Francisco Navas Cobo, Corey Ashe and Tally Hall each put in solid performances on the night. With US Open Cup play, Superliga, and the restart to the MLS season around the corner, there will be plenty of minutes to be passed out.
“I think it is important that everyone steps up,” said midfielder Corey Ashe, who scored an impressive goal in the 28th minute. “The young guys are going to have to step up and there are minutes to be had.”
“We have a busy week as we go Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday,” said Kinnaer. “A lot of guys will play again. This game came at a good time and it’s nice to know that you can interchange some players and the standard doesn’t drop.”
Houston’s three trialists also each got more than sixty minutes against CD Águila. Midfielder Juan Manuel Quevedo had an assist and he and Anthony Obodai both looked comfortable on the ball. Defender Kendall Waston looked less comfortable on the ball, but his size and speed could make him an attribute in the back.
“They did OK,” noted Kinnear. “It would have been nice to see them against tougher competition, as I don’t think it was an exceptional test for them, but I thought they did OK.”
Finally, after posting three consecutive league losses for only the second time in franchise history, the importance of posting two wins against the Laredo Heat and CD Águila can’t be underestimated. While it doesn’t erase the sting from the losses in league play, the wins help lessen the mood in the locker room.
“After three losses, the locker room becomes silent and not the best place to be,” said Ashe. “These last few games helped us to stay calm and get back to the basics.”
Dwain Capodice is a contributor to MLSsoccer.com. Questions or comments can be sent via email to dwaincapodice@gmail.com.
