Real Salt Lake earns a point in Houston with 0-0 draw

Jonathan Menendez made his debut tonight as Real Salt Lake played to a scoreless draw with the Houston Dynamo, earning a point away from home in the first of three straight road games. It wasn’t for lack of offense, as both teams ended the game with double-digit shots, but ultimately neither of them could find the back of the net.

David Ochoa had to sit this game out due to quad tightness, so Zac MacMath got his second start of the season in his place.

The first half ended with both teams scoreless, though both came dangerously close to scoring. Houston ‘keeper Marko Maric kept the home side in the game with four saves off of some impressive shots. Maikel Chang, Justin Meram, and Albert Rusnak all had fantastic shots that tested Maric but ultimately they couldn’t get one past him in the first 45.

RSL controlled possession throughout the first half with 55%, but both teams were pretty even on overall shots — Houston with seven and RSL with six.

Houston’s newly-acquired striker Corey Baird came into the game in the second half and had a couple great chances, but couldn’t get the close-range shots on frame.

Anderson Julio got a great look at goal after Aaron Herrera sent a ball in from the far side. Julio was wide open for the shot but unfortunately just sent it sailing over the net as RSL’s attack continued to press harder.

Justen Glad earned his second yellow in the 87th minute after a tackle and was sent off, leaving RSL with only 10 men for the rest of the game.