SB Nation Houston - Dynamo Battle Crew To Nil-Nil Drawhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46691/houston-fave.png2010-07-11T00:33:56-05:00http://houston.sbnation.com/rss/stream/13271432010-07-11T00:33:56-05:002010-07-11T00:33:56-05:00Houston's Defense Steps Up in Draw Against Crew
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<p>Hard is trying to write about a soccer game with ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart' running through your head. I blame a trio of friends for this...you all know who you are.</p>
<p>But enough of that nonsense, let's talk about the game. I think Dynamo fullback Mike Chabala summed it up best, "That's more like a Dynamo team that we've seen in the past."</p>
<p>After a run of performances that saw Houston struggle with defensive mistakes, Saturday night's scoreless draw against the Columbus Crew was a reminder to the league and fans that writing off this team would be a mistake. Not that anyone was doing this, but just in case you were thinking about it, shame on you.</p>
<p>Admittedly, it wasn't the most exciting MLS matches you'll ever see, but for Dynamo fans who have watched their team give up goals that have cost all-important points, a complete 90-minute defensive performance was a site for sore eyes.</p>
<p>Of course, a goal would have been nice and not getting three points at home is always a bit disappointing, but considering results of late, you have to view this one as a positive.</p>
<p>The Dynamo contained the usually dangerous Guillermo Barros Schelotto and his Crew co-horts by making all the right plays defensively from the opening kick to the final whistle. The best example came in the 82nd minute when Steven Lenhart found himself alone in space right in front of Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad. If not for a tremendous slide tackle from Chabala, he likely would have scored the game winning goal.</p>
<p>"When that ball came across I was just making sure I didn't give away anything in the middle and the ball kind of popped out," Chabala said. "I was trying to make sure I got across and got enough body in front of the ball. Good step out, got my foot on it and blocked it."</p>
<p>It's a result the Dynamo can build on and with a busy schedule ahead, a nice confidence booster for players and fans alike.</p>
<p><i>Game wrap-up courtesy of <a href="http://www.dynamotheory.com/">Dynamo Theory</a></i></p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2010/7/11/1563775/houstons-defense-steps-up-in-drayJordan Wise2010-07-10T21:09:46-05:002010-07-10T21:09:46-05:00In Progress: Onstad And Robinson Both Go Down In The 74th Minute
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<p>During a corner kick in the 74th minute, Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad and defender Eddie Robinson both took knocks and went down with some sort of injury. For now, it looks like both players will stay on the pitch, but Coach Kinnear would hate to use his last substitution on a defensive player when he could bring on someone with speed like Dominic Oduro.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2010/7/10/1563563/in-progress-onstad-and-robinsonJordan Wise2010-07-10T21:04:53-05:002010-07-10T21:04:53-05:00Subs: Experience Subbed In For Youth
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<p>In the 68th minute Brad Davis was subbed on for Corey Ashe. This followed Brian Mullan coming in for Danny Cruz a few moments earlier. For Houston, this switch pulls out the team’s speedy wingers in favor of the experience and distribution of the normal starters.</p>
<p>Also, Steven Lenhart was subbed on in the 66th minute for Jason Grey and Danny O’Rourke was brought on for Frankie Hejduk.</p>
<p>Now each teams have only one substitution remaining.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2010/7/10/1563557/subs-experience-subbed-in-for-youthJordan Wise2010-07-10T20:56:03-05:002010-07-10T20:56:03-05:00Halftime: Houston Controls Match, Creates Chances
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<p>The Houston Dynamo decided to change things up and get a bit adventurous with tonight’s starting line-up. Midfielder and team leader Brad Davis started on the bench, forcing Head Coach Dominic Kinnear to change things up, moving usual center defensive midfielder Lovel Palmer into the center of attack with Richard Mulrooney filling in behind him. Though this move was a bit forced, it is one that has seemed like an obvious option of the past few weeks as Palmer is a midfielder who shows confidence pushing up the pitch and is not afraid to take a shot on goal.</p>
<p>For once the Dynamo decided to come out and attack, finding space and creating early choices. Brian Ching nearly had a scoring opportunity in the first three minutes but was called for a foul, stopping play. Houston had more scoring chances throughout the first half and the closest they came to scoring a goal was in the 23rd minute when Danny Cruz drove down the right side of the pitch and crossed the ball from the wing. The cross rolled through the six-yard box into the feet of an awaiting Brian Ching who wrong-footed the ball wide of the net.</p>
<p>Both teams were quick to attack, but it was the Houston defense that looked good and was able to contain Guillermo Barros Schelotto, the one player they have to keep away from goal.</p>
<p>For Houston, going into the half not conceding a goal, controlling the play, and pressing for scoring chances has to feel like a victory after their last few matches.</p>
<p>The Dynamo will be hoping they can continue to contain the Crew and Schelotto and create more scoring chances.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2010/7/10/1563548/half-time-houston-control-matchJordan Wise2010-07-10T19:58:03-05:002010-07-10T19:58:03-05:00In Progress: Dynamo Manage Not To Concede Early Goal
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<p>We’re 18 minutes in here in Houston and the Dynamo thankfully (finally) has managed not to concede an early goal. In fact, the game has been pretty open so far, and Houston has really been pushing in attack and creating scoring chances.</p>
<p>The Crew have been exposed in the back a few times, already, and Houston will he hoping to grab a goal ahead of half time.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2010/7/10/1563479/in-progress-dynamo-manage-not-toJordan Wise2010-07-10T19:39:41-05:002010-07-10T19:39:41-05:00Line-Ups: Columbus Crew Bring Best Team
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<p>F: Schelotto<br>
F: Garey<br>
M: Rogers<br>
M: Moffat<br>
M: Gaven<br>
M: Carroll<br>
D: Padula<br>
D: Iro<br>
D: Marshall<br>
D: Hejduk<br>
GK: Hesmer</p>
<p>Subs: Gruenebaum (GK), Brunner, Ekpo, Lenhart, O’Rourke, Renteria, Francis</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2010/7/10/1563466/line-ups-columbus-crew-bring-bestJordan Wise2010-07-10T19:37:14-05:002010-07-10T19:37:14-05:00Line-Ups: Houston Change Things Up, Finally
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<p>Dynamo Coach Dominic Kinnear looks to be changing things up with his starting line-up for tonight’s game against the Columbus Crew. It looks like he is going to go with a 4-2-2-2</p>
<p>F: Brian Ching<br>
F: Cam Weaver<br>
M: Danny Cruz<br>
M: Lovel Palmer<br>
M: Richard Mulrooney<br>
M: Corey Ashe<br>
D: Mike Chabala<br>
D: Eddie Robinson<br>
D: Bobby Boswell<br>
D: Andrew Hainault<br>
GK: Pat Onstad</p>
<p>Subs: Luis Angel Landin, Tally Hall (GK), Adrian Serioux, Brad Davis, Craig Waibel, Dominic Oduro</p>
<p>Noticeably absent from the starting line-up is Brad Davis. In his place, it looks like Houston is changing things up and playing Lovel Palmer in central midfield role. This is a move that we’ve been hoping for and are happy that the team is trying.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2010/7/10/1563459/line-ups-houston-change-things-upJordan Wise2010-07-10T14:30:27-05:002010-07-10T14:30:27-05:00Preview: Dynamo Looking Forward To Critical Clash Against Crew
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/HOU">Houston Dynamo</a> continue their grueling schedule tonight with a fifth game in ten days when they host Eastern Conference leaders <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/COL">Columbus Crew</a>. The Dynamo will be looking for a win following consecutive draws against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/COR">Colorado Rapids</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/TOR">Toronto FC</a>.</p>
<p>The Columbus Crew is unbeaten in its last three games and has a 2-1-3 record on the road this season. The last two seasons the Crew has won the Supporter's Shield by finishing with the best record in Major League Soccer and also won the MLS Cup in 2008. Goalkeeper <span>William Hesmer</span> ranks third in MLS with a 0.92 GAA. Up front, forward <span>Guillermo Barros Schelotto</span> leads the team with five goals and four assists on the year, while midfielders <span>Eddie Gaven</span> and <span>Adam Moffat</span> are also having impressive seasons.</p>
<p>Houston is 1-0-2 all time at home against the Crew and will be forced to field a patchwork line-up for yet another week. Forward Joseph Ngwenya is out due to red card suspension from last week's game against the Rapids. Coach Kinnear will also have to contend with the loss of <span>Luis Angel Landin</span> and <span>Ryan Cochrane</span> to injuries and likely will not be able to use midfielder <span>Brad Davis</span>, who is doubtful with a hip flexor strain. Davis is currently second in league with six assists and three goals and would be a huge absence for Houston.</p>
<p>'I'm feeling much better,' said Davis, 'but I still haven't fully gotten after a ball. I am going to keep pushing it. I'm feeling good as of right now, but I'll talk to Dom and see what he wants to do.' If Davis can't go, Houston will likely start <span>Richard Mulrooney</span> and <span>Lovel Palmer</span> in central midfield.</p>
<p>The Dynamo will be looking to build some sort of positive momentum, but know that tonight's game will be a challenge. '[They are] one of the best teams in the league the last couple of years,' said Hainault. 'It's always a tough game.'</p>
<p>In order to have some success against the Crew, Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear believes that they 'have to bring the same attitude we brought against Toronto. We have to move the ball well and our forwards have to hold it against two strong central defenders,' he added.</p>
<p>For Houston, this match comes at a critical point in their season. If the playoffs started today, Houston, who has 18 points and is in 6th place in the Western Conference, would be out of the playoffs. Getting all three points at home will be vital for the Dynamo if they want to make it into the post-season.</p>
<p>Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Robertson Stadium, and the match can be heard in the Houston area on SportsTalk 790 and at online at sports790.com. The match will be broadcast in Houston on local channel 11.2.</p>
<p><s><br></s><b>Predicted Dynamo Line-Up (4-4-2)<br></b>F: <span>Dominic Oduro</span><br>F: <span>Brian Ching</span> (C)<br>LM: <span>Danny Cruz</span><br>CAM: Lovel Palmer<br>RM: <span>Brian Mullan</span><br>CDM: Richard Mulrooney<br>D: <span>Mike Chabala</span><br>D: <span>Eddie Robinson</span><br>D: <span>Bobby Boswell</span><br>D: <span>Andrew Hainault</span> <br>GK: <span>Pat Onstad</span></p>
<p>Bench: <span>Tally Hall</span> (GK), <span>Cam Weaver</span>, <span>Adrian Serioux</span>, <span>Corey Ashe</span>, <span>Francisco Navas Cobo</span>, Brad Davis, <span>Craig Waibel</span> <br>Note: If Brad Davis is still hurt and cannot play, Sammy Appiah will likely be on the bench in his place.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2010/7/10/2317746/preview-dynamo-looking-forward-to-critical-clash-against-crewJordan Wise