One shot on target, three points for San Jose

San Jose strike before half-time

San Jose Earthquakes defeated Houston Dynamo 1-0 at PayPal Park in Major League Soccer’s Regular Season - 25. Daniel Munie scored the only goal in the 38th minute, with Beau Leroux providing the assist. The goal gave San Jose a half-time lead that it held through the second period.

Munie makes the difference

The decisive moment came when Munie converted Leroux’s delivery for a normal goal. It was Munie’s only shot on target, but it was enough to settle a match in which San Jose created fewer clear shooting opportunities overall. Leroux made his contribution before leaving in the 69th minute, when Nick Fernandez replaced him.

Houston had more of the ball

The statistics showed Houston controlling possession and circulation without finding a way through. The Dynamo had 62% of the ball and completed 507 accurate passes from 571 total, compared with San Jose’s 282 accurate passes from 337. Houston also led total shots 11-10 and put five efforts on target, while San Jose recorded only one shot on goal.

That advantage did not translate to the scoreboard. San Jose’s goalkeeper made six saves, while Houston’s goalkeeper was credited with none. Both teams had seven shots from inside the box, but San Jose protected its lead despite the Dynamo’s greater attacking volume. Houston also won three corners to San Jose’s one.

Early cards and late changes

The disciplinary tone was set immediately. Ronaldo Vieira received a yellow card after one minute, and San Jose coach Bruce Arena was booked two minutes later. Leroux was also cautioned in the 19th minute. Agustin Resch went into the book for Houston in the 75th minute, while Benjamin Kikanovic received San Jose’s final yellow card in the 90th. Neither side received a red card.

Houston introduced Héctor Herrera for Diadie Samassekou in the 65th minute, then brought on Nick Markanich and Matthew Arana for Ibrahim Aliyu and Duncan McGuire later in the half. San Jose also used Ian Harkes for N.Tsakiris and Jack·Skahan for Eduard Löwen as it managed the closing stages.

Points gap narrows

The win lifts San Jose to 41 points after 25 matches, while Houston remains on 43. San Jose’s listed Western Conference position was sixth before the round, and Houston’s was second. The result extends San Jose’s run to four consecutive wins based on the supplied form sequence, while Houston adds a defeat to a recent record that had begun with a win.

Munie was the standout performer, earning a match rating of 7.8 after playing all 90 minutes. His goal and shot on target directly decided the contest, while goalkeeper A. Gunn also rated highly at 7.5 after making six saves.