 "Photo: Tamir Kalifa/The Daily Texan")
The Houston Dynamo brought the fireworks to Nelson Field on Wednesday night.
Literally.
Minutes after the Houston supporter group set off an array of fireworks in its corner of the bleachers, second-half substitute Corey Ashe contributed to both goals of 2-0 win for the Dynamo, advancing them to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup.
After a scoreless first half, the 5-foot-5-inch Ashe entered the game with a goal and an assist which was enough to top the Austin Aztex.
Known for their depth, the Dynamo were still able to field a competitive squad despite missing many key players to injuries and national team duties.
The speedy Ashe has filled in recently while midfielder Ricardo Clark was playing for Team U.S.A. in the Confederation’s Cup and will likely get more minutes after Stuart Holden and Brian Ching were called up for national team duty for the upcoming Gold Cup.
“It’s a little different, obviously without the Brian Chings and Stuart Holdens, but we came out there with the same goal—to get the ‘W,’” Ashe said.
Head Coach Dominic Kinnear was not worried about playing without some of the regular starters.
“You just have to concentrate on the guys that are here,” Kinnear said. “If you start concentrating on the guys who aren’t here, then you lose your focus. “
Coming off a disappointing loss in MLS play against the Los Angeles Galaxy, ending an 11-game unbeaten streak, Kinnear was able to use the game as an opportunity to see some of his players who do not usually get too many minutes.
“It’s hard not to play all the time and when given the chance you have to take advantage of the opportunity,” Kinnear said.
Dominic Oduro, who was recently acquired by the Dynamo in a trade from the New York Red Bulls, took advantage of his playing time.
Oduro added an insurance goal in stoppage off a cross from Ashe.
The first goal of the game was scored in the 70th minute after an unnecessary foul was made by the Aztex defense. John Michael Hayden rocketed a free kick which bounced off the crossbar and was immediately headed in by Ashe on the rebound.
The win advances the Dynamo to the next round against the Charleston Battery on Tuesday.
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