Barrett assesses newcomers
The Dynamo dressed in their home locker room, wore their home orange jerseys and played in their home stadium, but for all intents and purposes they might as well have been the visiting team in their latest match.
The Dynamo on Sunday night played to a 0-0 draw with Liga MX’s Chivas de Guadalajara in a friendly before 14,872 red-andwhite-clad fans at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Chuly Sports secured Chivas for a friendly and the Dynamo’s stadium for the match.
It later invited the Dynamo to be the opponent for the contest.
The crowd was heavily in favor of Chivas. A
supporters’ group made large signs and waved flags while chanting and singing throughout the game.
“There was good energy in the stadium tonight,” Dynamo interim coach Wade Barrett said. “I know they were cheering for the other team, but it is still fun to play in front of a big crowd that is making a lot of noise.”
Each team had a few scoring chances, but most of their most dangerous shots were off the target.
Chivas’ best opportunity came in the 84th minute when Jose Vazquez ripped a shot from the top of the box that Dynamo goalkeeper Calle Brown slapped over the bar.
The Dynamo’s best chance came in the 65th minute when Jose Escalante got possession in the left side of the penalty area then laid it off for Cristian Maidana, who was wide-open at the top of the box.
But Maidana sent his shot rocketing over the first section of fans behind the goal.
Sunday was the club debut for three players on loan. Midfielders Yair Arboleda and Escalante and defender Keyner Brown were signed during the summer transfer window. They are on loans with club options to buy when the loans expire at the end of the calendar year.
Barrett said he was happy with the way those three players competed with discipline.
“I wanted to see those guys play in a meaningful game,” Barrett said. “I know it is a friendly match, but it was against a good opponent, so I learned a lot from the game.
“I know the guys were pleased to get in and get some minutes. It was a good step.”
Sunday also featured the return of veteran left back DaMarcus Beasley, who missed eight games after having knee surgery in early July.