Wilmer Cabrera unhappy with Dynamo's late lapse versus Columbus

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Television replays and still frames confirmed what Wilmer Cabrera saw from the Dynamo bench on the final play of Saturday's game against Columbus Crew SC.

Ola Kamara was offside. His goal in the third minute of added time should not have counted. Instead of winning, 3-1, the Dynamo should have won, 3-0.

Likely just a minor talking point for fans in the long run, Cabrera stressed after the game that it was not minor at all. Had the Dynamo maintained their focus in the closing minutes of a game in which they already had secured three points, they may have never Justin Meram get space to find Kamara in the six-yard box.

For Cabrera, adding to the negative connotation of Houston conceding a pair of late opportunities is the fact Columbus got them despite being down a man. Jonathan Mensah was sent off in the 87th minute for violent conduct on a tackle on Alex.

"We stopped being Houston Dynamo and we started to relax," Cabrera said. "We stopped being the way we are – working hard, tough, concentrating, focused. We gave up two opportunities with 10 men. It is proof that if we get too comfortable we are going to suffer."

The late lapse did not affect the outcome, if it happens when the Dynamo lead by one or are tied a late lapse could do exactly that.

It happened too many times last season, including twice in the first five games. Goalkeeper Tyler Deric said he even noticed the Dynamo easing up late in the first half once they were on top by two goals.

Houston Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera on the sidelines during the first half of the season opening MLS soccer game at BBVA Compass stadium, Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera on the sidelines during the first half of the season opening MLS soccer game at BBVA Compass stadium, Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston ... more Photo: Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle Photo: Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 42 Caption Close Wilmer Cabrera unhappy with Dynamo's late lapse versus Columbus 1 / 42 Back to Gallery

"Especially after our second goal in the first half, you could feel like we kind of took our foot off the pedal a little bit," Deric said. "And then when we went down to 10 men we did the same thing. We kind of relaxed a little bit, and it's a lesson we have to learn, and we have to learn quickly. At the end of games we have to be intelligent, and it's very important to see out games."