Je-Vaughn Watson's goal in the 34th minute gave the visiting Houston Dynamo the lead at the half against the Columbus Crew. Despite disjointed play that made both sides look like they were indeed playing a midweek match, Houston have the lead in part thanks to Crew midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo. He was sent off in the 11th minute on a straight red card for shoving Adam Moffat in the face, and the Crew have the daunting task of playing the rest of the match down to 10 men. While Houston did not have many chances following Ekpo's ejection, the build-up to the goal was terrific. Jermaine Taylor sent in a cross from the right wing to the far edge of the six-yard box. Watson was waiting for the cross, and climbed over Chad Marshall to head the ball past Columbus goalkeeper Will Hesmer.
Columbus Crew vs. Houston Dynamo: Je-Vaughn Watson’s Goal Gives Houston the Lead
Besides the goal, neither team had many chances, although each team had a half chance near the end of the half. Tommy Heinemann tried to toe-poke a lob past Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall, but his shot went over the bar in the 43rd minute. Then Will Bruin's shot down on the other end of the field went just over the far upper corner of the goal in the 45th minute. As it stands, Houston not only has the lead coming into the half, but they were finally able to get some momentum and build possession in the last 20 minutes or so of the first half, and they may be able to build on their lead in the second half. For Columbus, obviously overcoming a one-goal deficit while down a man will be a tough task, but if they expect to solidify their place in the postseason, they will need to push for at least a point tonight.
