Things started badly for visiting Real Salt Lake Wednesday night in BBVA Compass Stadium and only got worse, as the visitors were pummeled by host Houston Dynamo 5-1, who, with the victory, took over first place in the Western Conference and remained unbeaten at home (7-0-1) in 2017.
An own goal in the third minute by RSL's Justin Schmidt put the away side in an early hole and a surgical goal by Alex in the 15th minute doubled the lead for the home side. Mauro Manotas scored on the stroke of halftime to make it 3-0 and Erick "Cubo'' Torres' tap-in in the 53rd minute made it 4-0 before RSL got on the board courtesy of a free kick strike by Joao Plata in the 62nd. But Houston kept playing, and scored again in the 68th on a header by Leonardo to make it 5-1.
Goals
- 3' – HOU – Justin Schmidt (OG) Watch
- 15' – HOU – Alex Watch
- 45' – HOU – Mauro Manotas Watch
- 52' – HOU – Erick Torres Watch
- 63' – RSL – Joao Plata Watch
- 68' – HOU – Leonardo Watch
Three Things
RISING TO THE OCCASION:
Houston's Alex made his 100th MLS start and commemorated the occasion with a goal -- a pretty one, at that -- to put the Dynamo ahead, 2-0. Nice touch.