The Houston Dynamo FC defense continues to make a statement.
Houston battled the San Jose Earthquakes to a 0-0 draw Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, recording its 10th clean sheet of the season and its sixth shutout in the last seven matches.
The result keeps the Dynamo firmly in the Western Conference race while extending their impressive run of form. Houston has posted a 10-3-3 record over its last 16 matches, collecting 33 points during that stretch.
At home, the Dynamo remain particularly difficult to beat. Saturday’s result moved their home record to 7-2-2, while Houston also continued its dominance against San Jose at Shell Energy Stadium, improving to 13-3-2 all-time against the Earthquakes at home.
Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond once again played a key role in keeping the clean sheet.
San Jose created an early opportunity in the 14th minute when a low cross found Ousseni Bouda near the post. Bond stayed composed, dropping low to smother the attempt and eliminate the danger. The veteran goalkeeper finished the night with four saves.
Houston gradually found more opportunities as the match progressed.
In the 58th minute, Lawrence Ennali put Reid Roberts under pressure with an impressive nutmeg that earned the Dynamo a dangerous free kick. Jack McGlynn stepped up from just outside the box but curled his effort wide of the far post.
McGlynn came close again five minutes later.
The midfielder combined with Ennali on a slick give-and-go inside the San Jose penalty area before firing a low right-footed shot toward the far post. Roberts recovered just in time to get a crucial touch on the ball and send it over the end line for a corner.
Neither side could find the breakthrough.
Houston generated one final opportunity deep into stoppage time when a deflected cross fell to Aliyu Ibrahim near the top of the box. Ibrahim attempted an ambitious bicycle kick, but the effort sailed wide as the Dynamo and Earthquakes settled for a point apiece.
While Houston will be disappointed not to have found a winning goal at home, another clean sheet continues to highlight one of the team’s biggest strengths down the stretch.
The Dynamo have now conceded just once across their last seven matches, giving them a defensive foundation as they continue their push near the top of the Western Conference.
Houston will return to action Saturday, Sept. 5, traveling to face Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
