Dynamo Down FAS, Keep Pace in CCL Group

Posted by : Stephen Eastepp August 23, 2012

C.D. FAS trains prior to their 3-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo
(Photo: DEM)

The Houston Dynamo kicked of the CONCACAF Champions League just like they hoped to, with a big win on foreign ground. The Dynamo dominated the first half, and the defense stayed focused throughout the game to leave El Salvador with a 3-1 over C.D. FAS.

Houston went back into a 4-4-2 for the game, with Cam Weaver and Brian Ching starting as the striker pair. What many tagged as a Dynamo "B" team, at the end of the night it was clear Houston's bench is full of potential starters and the club is positioned to make a run in this year's competition.

Houston feasted on FAS' poor marking as all three of their goals came on set pieces against the 17 time Salvadorian champions.

Captain Brian Ching started the party in the 12' heading in a nice cross from Colin Clark. Cam Weaver, who is tearing up the MLS Reserve League, scored off a perfectly placed cross by defender Kofi Sarkodie seven minutes later. Combined with the Reserve League, Weaver now has seven goals in eight contests.

The second half saw FAS come out strong with an attacking mindset. While it seemed at times FAS could get back in the game, it was another set piece that gave the Dynamo a commanding 3-0 lead. Midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson headed home a corner kick from Nathan Sturgis in the 60'.

While Houston may have lost some possession in the second half and were outshot on the night, most were errant shots that had no chance. FAS was credited with 22 shots, while only 7 were on goal.

FAS second half subsituite Jonathan Aguila flicked in a shot in 64' to give the Tigers a lifeline. But no matter how much they pushed forward, Houston's defense was up for the challenge.

It's evident Houston has quality depth that could see them compete far into the CCL. Dominic Kinnear should be credited with taking the right mix of players on the trip. The team came away with a historic win and we will have the majority of our team fresh for Saturday's league game against Toronto FC.

Next week, Houston will travel to Honduras to face Olimpia. Olimpia beat FAS 3-0 to open group play and are currently ahead of the Dynamo in the standings based on goal differential. Olimpia is the former club of Boniek Garica and it will be interesting to see if Houston can leave with more points from another CCL road match.

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