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| Brad Davis celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Columbus Crew. (Photo: Nigel Brooks) |
Houston started out controlling the game early over the seventh place Crew. In the 19' Boniek Garcia picked out a streaking Brad Davis at the top of the box who blasted a shot past Gruenebaum for a 1-0 lead. Eddie Robinson's commentary on the goal, "Brad Davis. My goodness. My goodness. We just saw the goal of the week." Garcia made a great run on the play, drew several defenders, and Davis does well to call for the ball knowing he had space. Houston started the game off getting that ever important first goal.
Houston continued to try and double their lead, getting a good opportunity in the 29' when Garcia sent in a nice pass behind the Crew defenders to Bobby Boswell. Boswell chested the ball down but his shot was tipped over the crossbar.
Just three minutes later, midfielder Dilly Duka got behind Jermaine Taylor and the Dynamo defense to lead an attack into Houston's box. He laid a pass to Cole Grossman who took a shot from the top of the box that curled in past Tally Hall's outstretched hands. It was Grossman's first MLS goal and a big one that brought the teams in level at the half.
While the Dynamo came into the match with a 19 game unbeaten streak at home, the Crew were the last club to beat them back in June of 2011 at Robertson Stadium. In the second half, the Crew came out to win. In the 58', Federico Higuain placed a perfect pass to Eddie Gaven who flew by Andre Hainault in the middle of the field. Jermaine Taylor tried to catch up with Gaven, but he was in on goal and was able to get his shot past Hall for the 2-1 lead.
This was Higuain's first game with Columbus since signing as a designated player in late July. He is the older brother of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain. He made his debut as a halftime substitute for Columbus and his presence was felt for the entire second half.
Ricardo Clark made his MLS return last week against New York, but tonight he was welcomed back by the orange fans that supported him from 2006-2009. Clark came on for Mac Kandji in the 63', while Brian Ching and Cam Weaver were subbed in for Houston in the 76'.
Houston fought to find the equalizer, but couldn't seem to get anything going. It looked as if the streak was coming to a close as time wound down. But in the 82', Brad Davis tapped a ball to Ricardo Clark who had trouble controlling the pass. The Crew defense didn't clear the ball and it slide out to Adam Moffat who was about 22 yards outside goal. He collected the loose ball calmly, switched it to his left foot and sent a blast towards Gruenebaum, who couldn't gain control as it dropped in for the tying goal.
Moffat is extremely dangerous outside the box and continues to show his power from distance. With the goal, Houston salvaged their unbeaten streak, which now stands at 20 games at home.
Overall, it wasn't the best game for Houston with the defense slightly off on a few plays. But you have to admire the mental toughness of a team that was just minutes away from losing at home to continue to fight until they got the the goal they needed. Offensively, while Boniek Garcia and Brad Davis stood out, Calen Carr, Kandji, and Will Bruin struggled to settle into a rhythm for the first time in a while.
Houston will get their first real test of depth and see how travel will effect them as they will leave for El Salvador next to kick off CONCACAF Champions League action against C.D. FAS on Wednesday.
I'll have a preview of the match, but I expect some of our younger players and reserves to see action on Wednesday in what will be a winnable game.
After Wednesday's matchup in El Salvador, the Dynamo will travel back home to face Toronto FC on Saturday. Toronto sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 20 points, but pushed Dynamo to a 3-3 draw in Houston earlier this year.
On August 5, 2012 the Columbus Crew lost a family member way too soon. Midfielder Kirk Urso passed away at the young age of 22. While this loss is still fresh with all teammates, friends and family members, he will never be forgotten. The Dynamo supporters joined in remembering Kirk Urso. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Urso family.
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| (Photo: Nigel Brooks) |
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