Houston Dynamo vs. Guastatoya - Game HighlightsTake a look back the action of tonight’s exciting match between Houston Dynamo and CD Guastatoya which finished 2-1! #SCCL2019 #HOUvCDG
Posted by Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League on Tuesday, February 26, 2019
HOUSTON – Although inclement weather around BBVA Compass Stadium forced a delayed kickoff Tuesday night, Mauro Manotas made it worthwhile for those who stuck around until the end – a goal for every hour the game was postponed as he helped lead the Houston Dynamo to a 2-1 win over Gustatoya in the Concacaf Champions League.
The Colombian forward came off the bench for his heroics, which helped book the Dynamo’s berth into the competition’s quarterfinals.
“We are content, happy for the team,” Manotas said. “It was a complicated match early on, but they did an incredible job. In the second half, it was great. It helped that we were at home and got the victory.”
Guastatoya was the first to score, but the visitors’ joy was short lived. Just off the substitute’s bench, Manotas received a pass from Alberth Elis and equalized in the 77th minute. Eight minutes later he reassured the team’s victory with a second goal.
“That is why I am here, I am here for that sole reason,” Manotas said. “That is why I remained with the club, to score goals. That is what everyone asks of me as a forward, to score goals. That is what I am here to do.”
The striker has rapidly become a household name for the Houston Dynamo – it’s no wonder that the club recently secured the 23-year-old forward until 2021.
Manotas sees the extension of his contract as a great opportunity to show what he can do, noting that “the new contract is a blessing, but what I know is to play on that field and score goals. So, I will repay the club for their faith and investment with goals.”
Manotas also has plans to break his own scoring record. Last season he scored 25 goals in all competitions – the most by a Dynamo player in a single season. He is also gunning for the club’s all-time goals record of 56, currently held by Brian Ching.
The young forward has said many times during the preseason that he wants to win any trophy possible with the Dynamo, including the CCL.
“It was a reason why I stayed at the club,” Manotas said. “I wanted to play in this type of tournament with this team, with the Houston Dynamo and get as far as possible.”
