From DYNAMO THEORY
Frustration. It has defined the season and it defined the night as the Dynamo fell 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes. Houston was once again victim of its own defensive breakdowns as its playoff chances all but evaporated. New designated player signing Geovanni was a force for the Quakes, making a great run and cross that led to the first San Jose goal and scoring the second, his first MLS goal.
The Dynamo's lone goal came in stoppage time of the first half after Brian Mullan worked his way down the wing, fighting off multiple tackles and refusing to leave his feet, before finding Brad Davis in space. Davis headed the ball in to the far corner past Quakes keeper Jon Busch to tie the game for a short time.
Geovanni scored the game winner in the 63rd minute after picking up a loose ball at the top of the box and easily beating Pat Onstad. It was the kind of defensive lapse that has killed the Dynamo all season and something that will have to be remedied ahead the 2011 campaign.
The Dynamo had every chance to equalize late after Quakes midfielder Sam Cronin was given a straight red for a dangerous studs-up tackle on Mullan. Despite having nearly 10 minutes with a man advantage, Houston was simply unable to make the right pass or the right last play that would have salvaged a point.
In addition to the defensive breakdown, the offense continued to struggle with finding the back of the next despite generating multiple good opportunities. It's a troubling trend that has the team and fans alike frustrated.
Tough night for the Dynamo.