It’s all square at half time between the New York Red Bulls and the Houston Dynamo with the score tied nil-nil.
The Dynamo have played aggressive, but well, and have limited the Red Bulls’ chances throughout the half, even managing to create a few of their own.
The main news from the half was the departure of Dynamo forward and captain Brian Ching, who left in the 39th minute after picking up what appeared to be an injury to the ribs in a challenge with Red Bulls goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul. The Hawaiian forward made way for Cam Weaver who will give Houston a height advantage up front.
The other important news of the night was the tactical decision by Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear to play Corey Ashe at left back in place of either Kofi Sarkodie or Mike Chabala. Ashe brings the speed that is needed to handle Dane Richards and played very well throughout the half.
The best chance of the half came in the 28th minute when Brian Ching rattled the crossbar with a shot. The effort was the result of a Geoff Cameron flick-on following a Brad Davis freekick. Ching was unlucky to see his effort not hit the back of the net.
Neither team looks likely to make changes coming out of the lockerroom, and the Dynamo have to be happy with their effort so far.