Soccer goals: After playing a full 120 minutes midweek in US Open Cup play, plagued by injuries, and missing key offensive starters (Brian Ching and Stuart Holden) absent due to Gold Cup play, the Houston Dynamo hoped that their home dominance would carry over another game, as their undefeated 2009 MLS season streak at Robertson Stadium has catapulted the Dynamo to the top of the Western Conference with 32 points.
This soccer videos feature Dynamo vs Revs highlights and soccer goals.
With the muggy and balmy heat, coupled with the New England Revolution decimated by injuries, Houston Dynamo's chances of winning their ninth straight at home appeared achievable. However, scoring in a quick counter in the 76th minute by Kheli Dube, the Revolution sealed the Dynamo's fate, securing the 1-0 victory.
Despite offering an anemic offense during numerous stretches of the 2009 MLS season, the New England Revolution pressed the Dynamo with their speedy flank play, as veteran Steve Ralston pulled the strings to the offense. In the 7th minute, a Ralston strike forced Julius James to make a sliding save to prevent a potential goal. Ensuing pressure mounted in the 11th minute when Abdoulie Mansally's shot-on-goal forced Onstadt to make a strong and reliable save.
Continuing his excellent form in between the pipes, Pat Onstadt cut Kheli Dube's angle who missed wide right, as he received a perfect through-ball from Abdoulie Mansally during a break-away sequence. With a lethal Darrius Barnes' throw-in in the 40th minute, midfielder Nyassi challenged the Dynamo keeper's reflexes with a low hard strike on goal, which Onstadt scooped up with ease.
In the 36th minute, Houston would demonstrate its danger on set pieces, as the ball was knocked around inside the Revs box and fell to Andrew Hainault. The Houston defender received the ball, shot on goal, and received the deflection, attempting again to slide it past Matt Reis, who gathered the ball with a an athletic jumping save.
With the game scoreless at halftime, both teams began to apply offensive pressure as the game began to experience more attacking opportunities. Generating early second half offense in the 48th minute, Steve Ralston passed to an open Sainey Nyassi who just missed wide right, attempting to exploit the reactive Dynamo defense.
Answering back offensively in the 58th minute, Craig Waibel's cross reached the head of Ricardo Clark, who flicked the ball low and on goal, but Reis proved impenetrable.
Utilizing his speed to surpass the Dynamo defense, Dominic Oduro faced Matt Reis 1v1, but his angle was diminished by Reis' astute positional sense, allowing for the easy save. Although the Dynamo mounted several strong attacking sequences, applying additional pressure to their road opponents, the Revs keeper proved invaluable in the 70th minute, as he ushered a 30-yard Brad Davis strike, just wide right.
Offering multiple saves and keeping the Revolution's hopes alive, Matt Reis would witness his hard work pay dividends in the 76th minute. Rookie defender Kevin Alston would slot a well-weighted long pass to Steve Ralston, bypassing the Houston midfield and defense. Receiving the ball with the softest of touch and a clever left-footed flick, Steve Ralston would touch the ball to a sprinting Kheli Dube, who would seal their fate with a 1-0 victory.
In the final seven minutes, the Houston Dynamo applied continuous offensive pressure, mounting multiple attacking sequences and set-piece opportunities. In stoppage time at the 91st minute mark, the Dynamo's attack would almost equalize from a steaming Julius James' header, which was acrobatically deflected by a diving Matt Reis. The Dynamo's last ditch effort would not culminate into a goal, as the team could not match the New England Revolution's energy and intensity throughout the majority of the match.
Despite leading in shots (17), shots-on-goal (8), and corner kicks (8), the Houston Dynamo failed to capitalize on their multiple scoring chances, while Revs keeper Matt Reis produced eight saves to preserve the clean sheet for New England.
With Stuart Holden returning as the offensive playmaker and Brian Ching solidifying the target forward position, the Houston Dynamo will look to recover from their first home loss, as they host DC United Saturday, August 1st at 7:30 p.m. at Robertson Stadium. Meanwhile, Coach Dominic Kinnear will manage the 2009 MLS All Stars, who will face Everton FC of the English Barclay's Premiere League. Geoff Cameron, Stuart Holden, Brad Davis, and Brian Ching will participate in the MLS All Star Game, while Keeper Pat Onstadt, who was voted on the initial roster, will be replaced by Chivas USA keeper Zach Thorton.
In other Dynamo news: According to Corriere di Livorno, recently promoted Serie A club, Livorno, is expected to reach a transfer deal with MLS and the Houston Dynamo for the services of midfielder Ricardo Clark. Livorno announced their interest last week in both Ricardo Clark and forward Landon Donovan after a strong showing in the 2009 Confederations Cup. After receiving interest from both the German Bundesliga and French club Rennes, it appears that the tenacious defensive midfielder will secure his transfer in the coming weeks.
What did you think of the game? Who was your MOTM? Will the Dynamo maintain their lead in the Western Conference? Share you thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Dynamo lose First 2009 Home Game to the NE Revs 1-0.
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