Fox in the Box: Dynamo hold Phoenix Rising

Chris Seitz making the penalty kick save.

Credit to Houston Dynamo Media

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Fox in the Box compiles and reviews all the Dynamo, Dash, and Toros matches.

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Wilmer Cabrera and the Houston Dynamo headed to Kino Sports Complex once again for another round of the Mobile Mini Sun Cup to take on Phoenix Rising FC, one of United Soccer League's most interesting teams because of its lucrative ownership and notable ambition on and off the field.

The Dynamo rolled out a starting eleven that combined experience and young energy across all aspects:

The team would not find a legitimate chance for a goal in the first moments of the match due to the Rising's great defensive positioning in time to eliminate the counter. But the Dynamo were able to retain most of the possession of the ball thanks to their distribution.

One of the highlights of the scrimmage would be Chris Seitz, who would come up big after missing some time in Tucson to travel back to Houston so he could be with his wife during the birth of his child. The keeper would make a key deflection from a dangerous free kick outside the box and a triple-save sequence during a penalty kick during the late stages of the first half. Quite the good stuff.

Charlie Ward would earn a red card at the thirty-sixth minute after the Video Assistant Referee determines that the midfielder engaged in a reckless challenge that would result in his ejection. But the Dynamo would not be down a man since the tournament allows a substitute for a red-carded player, and Eric Bird would serve as Ward's replacement on midfield. Midfielder Todd Wharton is also subbed in for defender George Malki

But Arturo Alvarez would break the deadlock after Todd Wharton manages to cross the ball inside the box and Alvarez is there to tap the ball into the goal.

Dynamo would have a 1-0 lead at hafltime, and forward Romell Quioto and goalkeeper Joe Willis would replace Mac Steeves and Chris Seitz in their respective positions. Quioto would be making his first appearance in the team's preseason campaign after missing time due to illness.

Quioto would have some good moments over the match despite his lack of playing time and not being assigned as a winger. Houston would also make more substitutions in the span of ten minutes:

The Dynamo would lean towards a younger lineup towards the end of the scrimmage, with some interesting plays that nearly led to goals including Cabrera Jr. nearly chipping the opposing goalkeeper for what could have been a fantastic goal.

And in the end the team would hold Phoenix Rising without a goal and take the win to remain unbeaten in the Mobile Mini Sun Cup. Houston will play their final preseason match this Saturday, February 24, with the opponent and the time to be announced soon.