In Progress: Dynamo Lead On Road Against Columbus Crew

The Houston Dynamo managed to take a first half lead over a struggling Columbus Crew after JeVaughn Watson headed home a cross from fellow Jamaican Jermaine Taylor. The goal was created after Taylor controlled the ball with a tremendous first touch, stretching the Crew defense, then looped a cross to Watson at the back post. Houston's goal and control of the first half was possible after Crew defender Emmanuel Ekpo picked up a straight red card in the first fifteen minutes. Ekpo dispossessed Adam Moffat in the center of the pitch but followed up the initial challenge with a hand directly into Moffat's face. The call may have been harsh, but it is difficult to see how Ekpo's contact could have been accidental and had the markings of a challenge meant to send a message to the former Crew midfielder. Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear made a few personnel changes ahead of tonight's match, starting Will Bruin, who is back fresh from injury, and Cam Weaver in place of the injured Brian Ching and suspended Carlos Costly. In the midfield, Kinnear gave Luis Camargo his first start, playing him on the right side. Brad Davis, JeVaughn Watson, and Moffat filled out the rest of the midfield. Coach Kinnear opted to give Canadian international Andre Hainault a rest, playing Geoff Cameron and Bobby Boswell in the center of defense, between Jermaine Taylor and Corey Ashe.