Franco’s late goal rallies Dynamo to 2-1 victory over Austin

HOUSTON — Iván Franco scored his first career goal late in the second half and the Houston Dynamo rallied to beat Austin FC 2-1 on Saturday night.

Austin (4-6-4) took a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute on a goal by Gyasi Zardes with an assist from Nick Lima. It was Zardes’ third netter of the season.

Héctor Herrera scored for a third time this season — unassisted in the 37th minute to pull Houston even.

Franco used assists from Daniel Steres and Herrera to score the winner in the 87th minute. It was the 23-year-old rookie’s 12th appearance for the Dynamo this season, including seven starts.

The home team picked up a victory for the sixth time in seven all-time matches between the clubs.

Austin entered play having won back-to-back matches after an eight-match winless streak.

The Dynamo snapped a four-match winless streak. When Franco scored it marked the first time Houston has scored more than one goal in its last seven matches. The Dynamo have not conceded more than one goal in their last seven outings.

Steve Clark saved two shots for Houston. Brad Stuver totaled four saves for Austin.

Austin returns home to host Minnesota United on Wednesday. Houston travels to play the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday.