The tactics are becoming clearer in MLS, get a lead, sit deep and defend. Look for the odd counter -attack, live off an opponents mistake but above all don’t risk much. This is what Toronto FC did and in addition fouled persistently key players (Dwayne DeRosario), break the rhythm of play through fouls etc, be physical and feed off the emotion of your crowd.
So when Andy Welsh headed in the opening goal against the Houston Dynamo in the 25th minute the game became more difficult.
Tactical advantage-TORONTO FC
So these are the types of teams that are expected to be faced in MLS when one is down a goal. Scoring first is a priority and something the Dynamo have not been doing. Defensively they have only conceded four goals but the attack is still trying to find itself despite a night where they created the better chances. Consider these items for discussion:
*Dynamo started strong good pressure, Brad Davis who has been the best attacking midfielder for Houston all year came close on a free kick, 11th minute a corner cleared off the line from Ronnie O’Brien.
*Referee Terry Vaughan had a poor game for someone who has had considerable experience in MLS. His allowing of persistent fouling made for an ugly game, he missed a clear 3-1 advantage for Houston near the end of the first half , and also missed a potential penalty kick in the 67th minute when Ricardo Clark’s blast went of the arm of Maurice Edu. Not one to harp on referee’s but tonite leaves no choice. Every year MLS comes out with a FIFA mandate to push to it’s referee’s. Two years ago it was persistent fouling, coaches send players out to foul specific individuals repeatedly. This year it is elbowing. Enough on referee’s.
*Most Toronto chances were presented to them by Dynamo individual mistakes.
*Pat Onstad still is coming up with the timely saves.
*Other than Brad Davis and Onstad who is really playing to their potential?
*Toronto FC came to kick people, be physical like Chicago and gain adrenaline off currently the best set of fans in MLS, they are making a difference and definetly shaming most MLS markets for sheer enthusiasm and undying support. What player can’t get energized by playing in front of that crowd. They have stood behind them even during their first few poor games.
Toronto FC is direct, physical and undying just like Canadien fans would like it and are quickly becoming the “Crazy Gang” of MLS. Their leader Mo Johnston right now is the perfect ring-leader urging the crowd on while assistant Bob Gansler looks on dazed.
*Joseoph Ngwenya had two clear chances ……fans must give him a chance, if he produces 5-6 key goals this year he will have been a good sign provided additionally if his movement and ability behind defenses creates space for Brian Ching.
These are just a few random thoughts, let me hear yours ?

Catch the Houston Dynamo against Toronto FC tonite on Channel 55 The Tube.
Pre-game show begins at 5:30.

After a three hour delay on the tarmac at IAH last night it was good to finally get to the hotel in Toronto at around 2 in the morning. Continental thank you for the upgrade .
By the way the Dynamo are staying here also at the Renaissance Hotel on Blue Jay Way which has a restaurant that looks out on the Toronto Blue Jays baseball field. Pretty interesting.
Alot is being made in the press up here with Dwayne DeRosario and Pat Onstad returning to a city where they have played professionally and of course as members of their national team. The veterans that they are I am sure they have the balance of emotion and performance heading into tonite.
Something tells me this will be a big night for DeRosario with fans and friends in attendance. I also think he is going to find room in midfield against Carl Robinson and Maurice Edu of Toronto FC which could spell trouble for the pairing of Andrew Boyens and Jim Brennan who lack a bit of pace in central defense. Ngwenya will also test those two.
Toronto will look the same from their win over Chicago except for the loss of Daniel Dichio who after scoring their first goal was ejected. He is the focal point of their team, and believe me their direct game will suffer without him. Ronnie O’Brien will need to take control of midfield for Toronto FC and he will show up also in the middle of midfield from his right side position. No different than Brad Davis floating in the middle for the Dynamo from his left mid spot.
What now for Toronto with out Dichio who is a great long ball option? Stick long balls to Edson Buddle and Alecko Eskandarian or Andrea Lombardo?
Without Dichio it is going to force Toronto FC to build up the game and get possession which is not their strong suit right now in my opinion. They are still trying to figure out what type of team they are, one thing is for sure, they will try to physically impose themselves on the Dynamo just like they did beating up Chicago.
They do have the additional emotional boost of the most inspiring crowd in MLS to this date.
Kevin Goldthwaite. The former Dynamo will have his biggest challenge to date going against Brian Mullan tonite.
Expect the Dynamo lineup to remain the same from their Colorado win except Joseoph Ngwenya recently acquired from Columbus should start up front. Paul Dalglish did not make the trip after injuring his ankle in training on Sunday.
Both teams starting points are a 4-4-2 so space will be found tonite.
Expect emotion, passion from both players and fans and I hope you join me tonite on Channel 55 to catch the defending MLS champs at a packed BMO Field in Toronto.

PS: For all who made it out to the Dynamo Power Hour live broadcast at Taco Milagro in the Woodlands, thanks for a great night.

GD: How did you react to the trade and coming to Toronto FC?

Kevin Goldthwaite: I thought it was a good thing and it wasn’t a surprise. It was a relief knowing that finally I would be playing. Coming to Toronto I have ability to get better. If it doesn’t work out at I gave it a chance.

GD: How important is it for players that get drafted in MLS to actually getting playing time in the first year?

Kevin Goldthwaite: If you get drafted you need to start and get off on a good foot. By getting minutes it shows that your coach has faith in you. Especially for guys that spent four years in college, I didn’t have a very good first year but I plugged away and kept working hard. Effort and determination are the two most important things you need to have.

GD: What are your goals as a player?

Kevin Goldthwaite: My goal is to eventually break in to the national team. Left sided players may be a little bit more valued. There a chance to step in and get an opportunity in a Gold Cup.

GD: Playing behind Wade Barrett in Houston you had a great example of professionalism?

Kevin Goldthwaite: Wade is the most consistent guy in the league. He taught me how to handle myself off the field. The guy is consistent and always ready to play, always in a good mood.

GD: What area of your game do you want to improve most?

Kevin Goldthwaite: I have always wanted to work on my individual defending. It hasn’t been my strongest suit. What I bring to the table is getting up and down the flank. If I am not getting in 4-6 crosses a game it is not a good game.

GD: How tough is it leaving a tight-knit championship team?

Kevin Goldwaithe: Leaving good friends is tough but for my career it has to be done. There is nothing but respect on my end.

*Note: Kevin Goldwaithe scored the game winning goal for Toronto FC this past Saturday in a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Fire.
He has been in a starting role ever since being traded to Toronto . You can watch Kevin Goldwaithe take on his former team the Houston Dynamo Wednesday night on Channel 55 at 6pm central time. Goldthwaite will be matched up against former teammate Brian Mullan in what could be a great individual match-up. Mullan is due a break-out game and Goldthwaite is coming off his most memorable MLS game to date in his young career.

The Dynamo Power Hour with Glenn Davis on 790TheSportsAnimal is on location tonite at Taco Milagro in the Woodlands with the show beginning at 7pm. Come on out for good food, spirits and soccer talk.
*Dynamo Team President Oliver Luck will be in attendance and take questions at 713-212-5790 or in house.
*New England Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston will call in from Boston to preview the Revolution coming to Houston this Saturday at Robertson in a repeat of last year’s MLS Cup Final.
*Streaming live on the internet at www.790thesportsanimal.com
*Podcast available at above address and HoustonChronicle.com

*Dynamo at Toronto FC this Wednesday night on Channel 55 catch it.
*Dynamo Soccer Report with Glenn Davis on Channel 55 this Friday at 6pm includes interviews with Richard Mulrooney and Joseoph Ngwenya the newest additions to the Dynamo. The show re-airs on Saturday at 5pm

EMAIL YOUR THOUGHTS

What a great week of MLS games to be involved in.
I just returned Sunday morning on the “redeye” from LA after calling the NE Revolution come back against
LA 3-2. Off to Toronto this week for the Dynamo/Toronto and then on to Colorado for the Rapids against KC. A busy week but a great week.
NE 3 LA 2
The second half produced four goals in game that gave great entertainment value.
NE has absorbed the loss of Clint Dempsey quite nicely due to the fact that Steve Nicol and Paul Mariner have a squad that has depth and a clear idea of how it wants to play. They also have added as usual some good young college talent. Adam Cristman up front with Taylor Twellman out of the University of Virginia is a player to keep an eye on. Strong, quick and competitive he is making space and taking some pressure off Taylor Twellman.
Lets face it Shalrie Joseoph is clearly unhappy about not getting his move to Europe but has continued to deliver professional performances. Steve Ralston who will be a guest tomorrow on the Dynamo Power Hour from Taco Milagro in the Woodlands on 790TheSportsAnimal broke the MLS appearances record and has found that “enlightened area” as an older player and seems to be enjoying himself immensely. Ralston along with Khano Smith gives NE good wide play. Smith is unorothodox, has a long stride and gait and provides a unique challenge for those opposing him. Him kept LA right back Chris Albright at bay most of the night. Considering many of the LA attacks begin with Albright this hurt LA.
So lets talk LA.
You seriously have to wonder if this team has a good enough supporting cast for Landon Donovan and David Beckham. MLS has stockpiled alot of games towards the back end of the LA season due to Beckham’s arrival and it is going to be a tremendous stress on all involved. Much of the LA attack comes from Albright at right back with the ultimate aim to get LD the ball in the right attacking areas. It will be one thing to get a great passer of the ball on the LA Galaxy let’s just hope those around him can shine . Nate Jacqua being the ultimate recipient of hopefully Beckham’s breathingtaking passing?

FC TORONTO got it’s first win, first goal and first ejection. In the process Daniel Dichio has become a Toronto FC symbol.
Oh by the way, watch on his first goal as he throws CJ Brown out of the way to finish, could easily have been a foul. He also was sent off with Diego Guitterez of Chicago . It looked on the FSC broadcast that Dichio was trying to bite the fingers of Guitterez. Something tells me Dichio is “wired differently” and has been in a few bar room run ins. He is bringing a bit of spirit to Toronto FC nonetheless.
Toronto is going to be a challenge for all simply because of the energy of their crowd. The Houston Dynamo get them without Dichio, who is an intimidating handful and gives the team character and a warrior type leader. An edge.
By the way in the 3-1 Toronto FC win former Dynamo defender Kevin Goldwaithe scored the game winning goal in front of 20,000 plus fans and you know he is going to look forward to playing his former team Wednesday night in Toronto (Channel 55).
Watch the Brian Mullan/Goldwaithe match-up.
How hard is it for Toronto FC coach Mo Johnston to get guys motivated to be in the starting line-up playing in front of crowds of 20,000 plus so far…….What will Toronto draw this Wednesday night?

*Juan Pablo Angel’s debut for the Red Bulls did not draw anymore fans and resulted in a 1-0 loss to Colorado. Nico Hernandez had the game winner finishing off a great goal on a pass from Herculez Gomez. Hernandez did nothing against the Houston Dynamo in the 3-1 Colorado loss in the prior game. Claudio Reyna missed the game due to injury.

*Fans of these former Premiership squads are hurting, Sheffield United , Charlton Athletic, Watford all are relegated. Having trained in the off-season for the Houston Dynamos at Sheffield United back in the mid-eighties I know the tradition and history that proud club has. In fact prior to training with them the Houston Dynamos drew 1-1 with Sheffield United in Houston at believe it or not Butler Stadium in front of a few thousand fans. Sheffield United’s squad included former Liverpool star Phil Thompson.
*Three Americans started for Fulham in a 3-1 loss to Middlesbrough, Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra.
Dempsey’s family were in attendance.

So the decision is finally been made. Bob Bradley is expected to be named the U.S. National team coach next week after a story broke in the Washington from Steven Goff that cites a source close to him.
So if it is true US Soccer President Sunil Gulati will have not stuck to his timetable of after the Gold Cup and Copa America which he originally intended. The website USSoccerplayers.com makes mention that Gerard Houllier and Arsene Wenger may have been approached.
Of course you want to look good as a Federation trying to engage names with world clout like Houllier and Wenger, one just wonders how serious this coaches were pursued. It didn’t take Mexico long to find a suitable replacement yet it may have been a little trickier for Gulati who looked seemed a little elusive and lacking direction on this one.
Credit him for getting the job to Bradley who certainly has done the time and made the commitment. How serious were negotiations for a foreign coach? We may never know but Bradley always was a great fall-back especially after getting the players in early camps to respond to him and perform well other than the game against Guatemala.
Bradley at this moment deserves the job and is heads above any other U.S. coach in line for the national team job if this in fact does play out next week.
Is Bradley your choice? Are you happy with him leading the team or not? Do you find him to close to the methodology and personality of Bruce Arena?
Respond soccer fans!

Ok I spoke today with Rene Walter who is with the Free Kick Masters who will make their only U.S. appearance in Houston.
The free kick tournament features world stars like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Alessandro DelPiero and Rafael Marquez.
The winner takes home a million bucks and the top goalkeeper takes home $500,000.
The skills competition features free kick taking from different distances.
The event will begin on December 22 from 3-11 pm with pre-liminary rounds and top musical groups. It also will be a pay per view event.
Now speaking to Walter I brought up the subject of having MLS and Houston Dynamo players in this event. Walter expressed to me that this is a great idea and the effort will be made to have Dynamo and MLS players involved in this event.
It is a no-brainer having a Dwayne DeRosario or Brad Davis competing with Ronaldinho and company. It weaves in MLS, gives back to our community and represents that acknowledgment of growing soccer in the U.S.
What a story to have DeRo or Davis competing for a million bucks against world stars, hey why not Pat Onstad in goal with Oliver Kahn in this event. I love the idea of Dynamo players involved and some of the other top free kick takers in MLS like Landon Donovan etc.
Give me your thoughts.

The fifth edition of the Dynamo Soccer Report with Glenn Davis airs tonite at 6pm on Channel 55 and re-airs tomorrow at 5pm .
Interviews include Dominic Kinnear head coach of the Houston Dynamo, Andrew Shue formerly of Melrose Place on his new movie “Gracie” that is both a family story and soccer related.
Highlights of the Dynamo victory over Colorado, international highlights, red card and gold ball segment plus more.
If you want to give Glenn your feedback email him at GlennDavis@thesoccerhour.com and as always keep supporting your game in the media.

I have a number of thoughts running through my head this week, so instead of a “topic” blog I am going to jump around a bit. What a great win for the team this past weekend in Colorado. It was a very convincing victory with just a bit of bad luck on the goal against. I thought the quality of our team started to show again and we are all excited that we seem to be getting back on track. The addition of Richard has given us so much depth that there was three of u s on the bench with over 100 career games played. …a great motivator for everyone starting to keep it going. Another thing to think about……Joseoph Ngwenya has a lot of promise and a lot of speed (reminds me a bit of myself, you know your with blazing speed and acceleration…ok I am awake again….sorry I dozed off for a minute) .
I got my second taste of the Reserve Division on Sunday. My feelings and thoughts have not changed on this topic. I still believe that while some of the players in those games have a chance to eventually work their way into the first team, the majority would greatly benefit from being loaned out to USL Clubs and playing a full 30 game season. I played two years for the Seattle Sounders in the “A” League and know that without them I would not be where I am today. Lastly a quick hit on a couple of blogs…….After re-reading the feedback I need t oclarify that they have not been meant to fish for compliments and they haven’t been targeted to criticize any of my teammates. I have no hidden agendas in my blogs. I told Glenn I would only write these if I am given the freedom to tell the truth and share the real thought processes and feelings of a professional footballer.
Remember when you read these that there is no pouting and “woe is me ” attitude, only a take it on the ching guy giving his honest opinions! Enjoy the weekend….I know I will
Craig Waibel