He didn’t play a minute in MLS last year and spent the season playing reserve games but Dynamo back-up goalkeeper Zach Wells put in a stellar performance for the Dynamo and if it were not for a late goal from Kurt Bernard of Puntarenas he would have secured a shutout.
Thrust into the game after a 22nd minute injury to Pat Onstad wells lived up to it. His first touch came on a penalty kick save on Puntarenas midfielder Bernard that he turned around the post.
Wells also had a personal duel with Brazilian forward Jorge Barbosa who he denied twice with huge saves to keep the Dynamo alive for Thursday’s second leg in College Station.
What was impressive was how close Wells was able to cut down shooting angles on the two saves against the Brazilian.
With depth an issue this year for the Dynamo that issue may not be goal.
Great to see the young goalkeeper come in and contribute so heavily.
Wells clearly was the Dynamo MVP in Costa Rica. Do you agree or disagree, email me at glenndavis@thesoccerhour.com
Wells comes out as shining star in Costa Rica
February 21, 2007 2 Comments
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I was living in New York a few years ago when Zach Wells was with the then-Metrostars. He got a lot of playing time when the 1st team keeper (Walker, I believe) was out injured. Zach did a great job then, so it was not at all surprising to me to see him do so well today. Based on the age of Pat Onstad, I think Zach will be an important part of the Dynamo in the future.
As for the game overall, I think the best way to look at it is that at half-time the Dyanamo are down by a goal and we need to come back and win in the 2nd half (in Texas, luckily). Based on prior games in Central America, going into the game I assumed there would be a red card to the Dynamo and a penalty for Puntarenas at some point – unfortunately, I was right. The Dynamo did not look good in general, though, and Zach Wells was the main reason the final result was not a lot worse.
I am, though, looking forward to the 2nd half next week. With a real field, cooler weather, and – hopefully – better officiating, the Dynamo are still in a good position to advance.
Props to my buddy Zach Wells. Amazing. the CLEAR CUT MVP in Costa Rica.