The Houston Dynamo continued its unbeaten run in preseason play after drawing with the Seattle Sounders at two goals apiece on Tuesday morning. The Dynamo are now 4-0-2 in preseason matches, with a record of 3-0-2 against MLS opposition.
Both teams fielded strong teams filled with starters in game that quickly turned physical.
Forward Cam Weaver opened up the scoring for the Dynamo in the 11th minute after midfielder Geoff Cameron stripped the ball from Seattle forward Fredy Montero and broke to the right side of the penalty area before crossing the ball to the back post for Weaver to tap in. Today's goal was Weaver's first goal of the preseason and Cameron's first assist.
The newly secured Dynamo defense held strong against Seattle's attacks in the first half, frustrating Sigi Schmid's team and opening them up the counter attack. Houston nearly doubled its lead in the 25th minute after Cam Weaver's shot hit the back of the net following a Danny Cruz shot, but the goal was waived off for offside.
Houston changed its entire lineup for the second half and went up 2-0 when Francisco Navas Cobo served in a corner kick that Brian Ching headed into the goal after a deflection from a Seattle player and goalkeeper Josh Ford. Today's goal was Ching's second of the preseason.
Seattle halved Houston's lead in the 61st minute when O'Brian White was fouled by Dynamo defender Eddie Robinson in the penalty area. Fredy Montero stepped up for the penalty kick and smashed it through the fingers of Dynamo goalkeeper Tyler Deric.
After changing their entire squad following the first goal, the Sounders leveled the score in the 69th minute. Seattle left back Michael Tetteh dribbled into the middle of the field and exchanged passes with Roger Levesque at the top of the penalty area, with Tetteh eventually tapping the ball into an empty net.
Both teams pushed hard for a winner, causing the play to be a bit frenetic at times, but neither was able to break the deadlock and the game ended in a 2-2 tie.
The Dynamo continue their cross-country preseason plans and return to action Thursday night in the semifinals of the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic, taking on Toronto FC at 7 p.m. CT in a match that can be seen on MLSSoccer.com.
Scrimmage Details
Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo
Preseason Scrimmage
February 22, 2011 -- ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando FL
Scoring Summary:
HOU -- Cam Weaver (Geoff Cameron) 11
HOU -- Brian Ching (Francisco Navas Cobo) 57
SEA -- Fredy Montero (penalty kick) 62
SEA -- Michael Tetteh (Roger Levesque) 69
Line-Ups:
Seattle Sounders -- Kasey Keller (Josh Ford 46), James Riley (Richard Martinez 62), Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (Taylor Graham 62), Jeff Parke (Leonen Cruz 62), Leo Gonzalez (Michael Tetteh 62), Alvaro Fernandez (Roger Levesque 62), Osvaldo Alonso (Servando Carrasco 62), Brad Evans (Jonathan Prieto 62), Steve Zakuani (Miguel Montano 62), OBrian White (Pat Noonan 62), Fredy Montero (Lamar Neagle 62).
Houston Dynamo -- Tally Hall (Tyler Deric 46), Kofi Sarkodie (Jordan Graye 46), Bobby Boswell (Eddie Robinson 46), Andrew Hainault (Jermaine Taylor 46), Hunter Freeman (Mike Chabala 46), Danny Cruz (Francisco Navas Cobo 46, Josue Soto 70), Richard Edwards (Lovel Palmer 46), Geoff Cameron (Alex Dixon 46, Francisco Navas Cobo 87), Brad Davis (Corey Ashe 46), Cam Weaver (Brian Ching 46), Will Bruin (Jason Garey 46).
Next Preseason Game: Thursday, February 24, 7 p.m. CT, Dynamo vs. Toronto FC (Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic), Orlando FL game streamed live on MLSSoccer.com
MLS Opener: Saturday, March 19, 7:30 p.m., Dynamo vs. Philadelphia Union, Robertson Stadium, Houston