Columbus Crew vs. Houston Dynamo: Late Carr Goal Ties Game for Dynamo

The Columbus Crew and Houston Dynamo battled to a 2-2 draw Wednesday at Crew Stadium. Both teams looked like they would get a victory, but costly fouls led to mistakes for both sides. The action started in the 11th minute when Emmanuel Ekpo was given a straight red for shoving Adam Moffat in the face. With the man advantage, the Dynamo took the lead in the 34th minute on a header from Je-Vaughn Watson off a terrific cross from Jermaine Taylor. Entering the restart, it looked like Houston had a good chance to hang on to the lead, since Columbus were unable to build up any chances. Plus, Crew defender Chad Marshall was subbed off at the start of the second half because of an apparent head injury, so Columbus' chances looked even worse.

Despite being down a man, a goal, and their best defender, Columbus got two penalties and took the lead through Andres Mendoza. On the first penalty, Cam Weaver was called for a handball in the box in the 64th minute. The replays showed a handball, but it was unclear if it was intentional or not. Nonetheless, the penalty was called and Mendoza buried it. Ten minutes later, Houston was called for their second penalty, when Watson kicked Dilly Duka in the chest in the box. Although it was a rough foul, it was not intentional and Vaughn was not carded for the offense. But he gave up the penalty and Mendoza improbably put Columbus in the lead in the 75th minute.

It seemed Columbus might hang onto a victory, but substitute Calen Carr scored in the 86th minute to knot up the score for the Dynamo. He connected with a centering pass in the box from Geoff Cameron and shot it past Will Hesmer. Although Houston tried to get the late winner, they were unable to capitalize and get their first road victory of the season. As a result, both teams will be disappointed with the result, as three points could prove vital for their positioning and hopes for the postseason.