The DYNAMO steam-rolled over a passive and un-organized LA GALAXY 3-0 to take the WESTERN CONFERENCE title for the first time.
The DYNAMO produced three goals in a 9 minute span in the first half beginning in the 14th minute that was termed an own goal.
Then DWAYNE DEROSARIO was credited with goal number two after a scramble in front of goal with four players including LA goalkeeper JOSH SAUNDERS.
BRIAN CHING would cap the night off producing the games final goal.

This was a night of opportunity for the Dynamo franchise with additional casual fans in attendance and the Dynamo lived up to it as is almost the taken for granted norm.
There is no doubt that new soccer fans were won over last night.

The GALAXY were never in this one due to the way the DYNAMO came out thirsting for the WESTERN CONFERENCE title and an opportunity to rest players against CHIVAS USA next weekend in their final game. The GALAXY didn’t even seem to put up a fight and were run over in midfield and poorly aligned at the back. LANDON DONOVAN spent a fruitless night chasing air and his teammates whose possession and passing was poor could not get him the ball…….

The crowd was electric at ROBERTSON STADIUM and one can only hope that city officials and the media paid attention to another historic night in the short life of the HOUSTON DYNAMO in HOUSTON, TEXAS.

The DYNAMO were buoyed in midfield by the return of the starting trio of DWAYNE DEROSARIO, BRIAN MULLAN and BRAD DAVIS. The effort put out by all players was contagious and something that LA could never match. LA coach BRUCE ARENA will gut this team like a fish and one has to wonder if their ever was a real plan on how to put this team together. Houston has not been a great stopping ground for the former coach of the New York Red Bulls who last year was beaten 4 -0 with an aged Red Bulls midfield that was run over that night as well.
Expect ARENA in the near future to hand over the day to day reigns to DAVE SARACHAN and assume the role of general manager. In fairness the squad was not ARENA’s and result wise it did not improve after the departure of Ruud Gullit. Personally, I was a little shocked how easily they were broken down with out much of a fight. Some of the LA players will be heading for a career change and will not be around next year, that is for sure.
It is aged, lacks team speed and experience in many areas. Their is a real argument for the DP slot with this team against a more collective and balanced player salalry distrubtion.
No one DYNAMO player makes “out of this world” money compared to BECKHAM and DONOVAN on the Galaxy who eat up around $800,000 of a 2.3 million dollar salary cap.

Incidentally word out of Milan has DAVID BECKHAM training with AC Milan in the off season who claim they may try to sign him. It could be a PR Milan event as Beckham is under contract for another year with MLS……..

STAR MAN: DOMINIC KINNEAR who is managing playing time with purpose while still getting results.

NEXT UP: A can’t miss CHAMPIONS LEAGUE match against UNAM PUMAS of MEXICO……….

KEEP AN EYE ON: Results in MLS to find out who will be the DYNAMO playoff opponent.

WATCH TODAY: RIVER PLATE AND BOCA JRS IN a great rivalry match for ARGENTINA!!!

WHO WAS YOUR PLAYER OF THE GAME and give me your thoughts on another historic night at Robertson Stadium.

Glenn

* National tv (HDNET) and a packed house would be a great way to win the Western Conference. The Dynamo have that opportunity tonite and if you are a soccer fan there is no other place to be other than Robertson Stadium tonite.
So what if DAVID BECKHAM is not here? The greatest attacking player in U.S. Soccer history is…LANDON DONOVAN. The only loss here is that media attention would have been far greater locally if “Becks” had been here. Rumor has BECKHAM showing up tonite and paraded to the crowd on a white horse………

*500 tickets will be released at 3pm today for those who still want to get into the game.

Win the West and get it over with and the DYNAMO game against CHIVAS USA next weekend would be rendered meaningless . This would enable the Dynamo to rest players at the manager Dominic Kinnear’s desire.

*Expect more playing time tonite for the midfield trio of DWAYNE DEROSARIO, BRAD DAVIS and BRIAN MULLAN. One would imagine PATRICK IANNI could come in at the back for suspended EDDIE ROBINSON, CRAIG WAIBEL would be the other option although he could be saved for the important match against UNAM PUMAS on Wednesday at ROBERTSON.
Ianni was in the Dynamo squad that drew 2-2 with LA back in April and was beaten by Donovan (the famous Donovan shouting at Ianni after scoring).

*Dynamo are doing very little at training these days based on games. Yesterday’s workout was to break a sweat and stretch the body a bit. Even the day before game training sessions have been shortened in order to keep people fresh mentally.

* LA are on their third goalkeeper this year with JOSH SAUNDERS. Donovan and Edson Buddle have combined for 33 of their 53 goals.

* DIEGO to coach ARGENTINA? Please, if the Argentine FA has to be smarter than this.
Don’t believe it for a minute……..

*RIVER AND BOCA tomorrow on FSC is not to be missed….

*One rumor out there floating around is SIGI SCHMID to SEATTLE as he would like to get back to the West coast. SCHMID is in his final contract year at COLUMBUS.

*MICHAEL BALLACK of CHELSEA has had foot surgery for a nerve problem…..

*Please join me on the radio this Wednesday for a pre-game call in show on 790 AM before the Dynamo/UNAM Pumas match. Call in number is 713-212-5790 and fans driving in to the game are encouraged to participate in the show.
I want to hear from you!!!!! See you at the Rob tonite….

Glenn

Soccer fans don’t miss tonite’s edition of the Dynamo Soccer Report with Glenn Davis.
DOMINIC KINNEAR AND BRIAN CHING are featured interviews. Catch highlights, goals, and fan opinion on this weeks edition.
Don’t miss it.

*DC United remained alive in the chase for a playoff spot as they catapulted ahead of the New York Red Bulls after a come from behind racous win at RFK last night against NE.
After the Revs staked a 1-0 lead out on a goal from TAYLOR TWELLMAN (99th career) and unlikely hero emerged.
FRANCIS DOE in only his 11th appearance produced two fantastic goals to complete a career night. The Liberian striker came on against the Dynamo five nights earlier at Robertson in the 0-0 draw.
His second goal exposed an area of the REVOLUTION that could be a concern for manager STEVE NICOL when Doe got isolated with MICHAEL PARKHURST. Doe got his arm across the talented NE center-back and moved him like a rag-doll before finishing.
DC got great contributions from the bench as TOM SOEHN their manager did not hesitate to get on JAIME MORENO and FRED after going down a goal to NE.
MORENO changed the game and FRED played as though shot out of a cannon.
All this from a guy that was reported to be out for the year……..The REVS are in trouble going into their playoff series with the FIRE and are trying to figure out a way to play without STEVE RALSTON who broke his fibula against KC last weekend.
The atmosphere last night at RFK was fantastic.
Did you see the game?

*Shocking news out of the MLS offices. New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Jon Conway and defender Jeff Parke became the first players in MLS history to suspended for using performance enhancing drugs. The two players have been banned for 10 games.
Both players tested positive for androstatriendione and boldenone metabolites after purchasing a supplement over the counter apparently at GNC.
They will also be fined 10 percent of their salary. Conway makes $115,000 and Parke has a base of $57,488.
This is baffling.

*The Dynamo/Galaxy game will have three broadcasts as both teams will have regional shows and HDNET will do a national broadcast. Only 500 seats remain available through walk-up . The Dynamo look to clinch the WESTERN CONFERENCE title and home field advantage.
I am offering up a reward for the first local announcer who mentions that DAVID BECKHAM will not be in Houston this weekend but the greatest attacking player in U.S. soccer history will….LANDON DONOVAN. Oh, and by the way , the DYNAMO are going for a historic third straight MLS CUP title.
Come on MLS, start the presses and lets get this story out there!

ARGENTINA manager BASILE resigned for “personal reasons” after Argentina was defeated at home by Chile. World Cup qualifying is not easy for anybody this days. In fact South American World Cup qualifying has to be considered the most grueling of all.

By the way , some great international soccer also on the tube this weekend.
More on that later.

Have a great soccer day!

How many times has this team produced late wins? More often than not.
Continuing on their trend over their existence at Robertson Stadium the Dynamo again produced a late game winner from Stuart Holden which now gives them poll position on the Western Conference title.
Stuart Holden produced his second goal of the night after Nate Jacqua hit the post to produce a 2-1 win over San Jose in the waning seconds of last night’s match.
The Dynamo now hold a comfortable five point lead over Chivas USA heading into Saturday’s sold out game against LA.
Here are a few thoughts:

*How often to you score two goals after teammates have hit the post and you push balls into en empty net? The Holden goals were almost carbon copy and are a tribute to his great ability out of central midfield to get into the penalty area. They may have looked like easy goals but Holden has to be complimented for BEING THERE. For making the effort consistently in the last two games to get into the penalty area.

* Two huge concerning mistakes at this time of the year, KEI KAMARA getting ejected early and the Dynamo playing with ten men (as if they need any extra physical exertion) and Eddie Robinson huge gafe on a back pass that led to San Jose goal. These are alarming mistakes and errs in judgement that at this time of the year have to be eliminated.

*Dynamo looked fatigued in second half, Dominic Kinnear threw the life preserver bringing on three subs in Nate Jacqua, Brian Mullan, and Brad Davis. It is noticeable that the Dynamo have shown signs of wear and tear in the last two games that is cause for concern and reiterates Dominic Kinnears policy of almost a split squad for games.
Last night he rested Dwayne DeRosario, Brad Davis and Brian Mullan for the majority . DeRosario who did not play should be a focal point against LA on Saturday.

*Brian Ching turned playmaker last night and was along with Holden the leaders of the squad. Bobby Boswell has turned into the squads leader at center back while the hope is that Eddie Robinson can find his form at this vital time of the year.

*Darren Huckerby of San Jose looked spent by the humidity yet almost produced a play that could have given San Jose the win late and then Dynamo produced game winner vs. Holden. Arturo Alvarez was most dangerous San Jose attacker, Ronnie Obrien had little influence and in the first half you wondered if San Jose wanted to be there.

*Great entrance from El Battalon and great color and public service message provided by the Texian Army.

Your thoughts and concerns on the night?

Don’t forget DC United and NE tonite on Espn 2. I will be in the nations capital to call this one with former Crew midfielder Kyle Martino.

Is it just me, or are we missing the best professional team sports story of the year locally? How rare is it for a team to attempt to win three straight championships?

The Dynamo are going for their third consecutive MLS Cup title. A rare chance at history. Only one other league team, D.C. United, has had the chance at the feat based on its two MLS Cup triumphs in 1996 and 97. United lost the 1998 final to the Fire.

So why is the local sports media not paying attention to this story? Little mention of the Dynamo is made these days in mainstream sports media, even after the Dynamo pulled off a rare result — a 4-4 tie — in Mexico recently against well-known team UNAM Pumas.

Sure, the NFL and college football are up and running, and the Rockets’ season is right around the corner. But how about throwing “the Orange” a larger sliver of coverage here?

Turn on the radio or TV and you will hear or see sports fans and pundits decry the lack of a winner in Houston. Are they oblivious to the fact the Dynamo have won two straight MLS Cups and are shooting for a third?

A club whose players and ethic have become an asset to our city. An asset that spreads daily to local fields, where young players can dream of becoming a pro in their hometown.

This area of the country might be known for its passion for football, but it is also known for that other kind of fútbol at the national level.

Despite the Dynamo’s success, the good news for the organization is that the ceiling for attracting more fans remains high. Go to Robertson and you feel as though you could be…..
to read the rest of this article click here

So now I know why DIEGO MARADONA was added to the payroll at INTER MILAN.
Aren’t these guys smart, smartest guys in the room.
DIEGO is now intervening in his 20 year old daughter’s love life….Why you ask?
Because she is dating 20 year old SERGIO AGUERO of ATLETICO MADRID who happens to be a transfer target of INTER MILAN.
So how is DIEGO officially listed in the INTER MILAN media guide?

DIEGO MARADONA- offical scout, official relationships director, team psychologist?

Ok, this could be fun, fill in the blank as to what Diego’s job description for INTER MILAN is:

DIEGO MARADONA______________________

On another note are you heading out to ROBERTSON STADIUM tonite? Catch a glimpse of former EPL player DARREN HUCKERBY and former Houston youth product ARTURO ALVAREZ who is famous at Robertson for his meltdown in last years playoffs…..ALVAREZ is one of MLS’s most skilled players…..

The Spanish giant Barcelona is bidding for an MLS franchise be brought to Miami, Florida. ”The idea is to set up an investment company involving FC Barcelona and a Bolivian entrepreneur living in Miami, Marcelo Claure, who is the chief of an investment group featuring Americans and citizens of different South American countries,” stated in a release from the club.”Claure is already the owner of FC Bolivar, with whom FC Barcelona already collaborate. The company’s sole aim right now is present an application for a franchise and promote it to the MLS”.

“The company’s sole aim right now is present an application for a franchise and promote it to MLS,” the release goes on to say, “If the candidature is successful, the company will become a reality, otherwise it will fold.”

As of now, the MLS has 14 clubs with Seattle and Philadelphia bringing that number to 16 by 2010. Cities of interest to expand the league as of now include Atlanta, Portland, St. Louis, Vancouver and Ottawa.

Do you think South Florida could sustain an MLS franchise, and if so would they be willing to build them a soccer specific stadium?

This game proves to be important for both of these teams. San Jose actually came in to Houston a day early on Monday to prepare for this match.
Calling all EPL fans, DARREN HUCKERBY formerly of Norwich City, Manchester City, Leeds and Coventry makes a stop at the ROB replacing DAVID BECKHAM on Saturday.

Here is what should be San Jose’s lineup which has been consistent. They come off a loss at home to CHIVAS USA 1-0.

Joe Cannon- gk- Beat by Justin Braun of Chivas USA last weekend for the lone goal in the 7th minute. Seemed to be caught out of position at the near post on the goal.
Two time MLS goalkeeper of year.

Eric Denton- left back who will have to contend with hopefully a “fresher” Brian Mullan who looked sluggish against DC despite the fact that Ivan Guerrerro never thought to attack

Nick Garcia- center back, will scratch, claw and fight for 90 minutes, Dynamo could get edge in the air here.

Jason Hernandez- center back, good season, solid positionally, not comfortable passing the ball

James Riley- right back, acquired from NE will have to deal with Davis moving central if he gets the start, Ashe could see time here as well for the Dynamo

Wide play: Darren Huckerby- left side, will test Brian Mullan and Richard Mulrooney if he continues to start, he is as direct as they come and will go at people over 90
minutes, a true pro that is serious about MLS and his place in it for San Jose.

Ronnie O’Brien- Former FC Dallas member has been re-juvenated with the transfer window success of Quakes, Huckerby has taken attention away from him.
Still can strike a ball well and will look to hit diagonal balls across the pitch to Huckerby which he did on occasion last weekend.

Central midfield- Francisco Lima is 37 and play over 80 times for ROMA in Italy. Brazilian, good passer of ball and a main balancing player for this team. Ha adapted quickly and
his form it could be argued has dropped slightly in the last three games.

Ned Grabavoy was acquired from Columbus and has a solid skill set and can make a play or two. Not dominating but not to be overlooked.

Forwards: Scott Sealy- got pushed around by the Chivas USA center backs last weekend and will get the same from Robinson and Boswell of the Dynamo.
Did not hold the ball well for SJ last weekend and that is one of the reasons why he was brought to the club.

Arturo Alvarez- Frank Yallop is a wise man. Sign and bring Alvarez back to the Bay Area. Take the defensive responsibility off him that others
have tried to saddle him with and get the best out of his greatest assets. He has had eventful past visits to Robertson. Brought down
by Pat Onstad outside the penalty area where Onstad was sent off and his “meltdown” last year for FC Dallas that changed momentum
in their playoff home and home series. Alvarez having grown up around Bear Creek and playing at Mayde Creek High School and with
Texas Premier youth soccer club will be motivated.

Subs: Ryan Johnson if healthy will come on and is a physically committed banger up front who could challenge Robinson and Boswell.
Shea Salinas- young player brings pace.
Jovan Kirovski- former Rapid was brought on last weekend to produce an “attacking moment”.

Quakes went undefeated in nine, before hitting this bad patch that includes devasting home losses to both RSL and Chivas USA. Any hope of a miracle dissolves without a win.
They will come to win the game and expect a far more entertaining night as both teams like to attack.

Thoughts on the Quakes and the Dynamo?

Here are my thoughts on this night at Robertson Stadium:

THE GOOD:

* The crowd of almost 18,000 in attendance was excellent in numbers. I am curious to see how many will show for the now more important game against SAN JOSE this Wednesday.

*A shutout, DYNAMO got a clean sheet despite the fact that DC United rarely but much into their attack.

*COREY ASHE coming on and finally getting some good delivery into the penalty area.

*The effort from DWAYNE DEROSARIO whose snapped header after a cross from ASHE nearly won the game late.

*LOUIS CRAYTON DC UNITED GOALKEEPER was the clear MVP of this match handling crosses well, provided a late game reaction save on DeRosario plus playing off his line like no other goalkeeper has done in MLS this year. He got away with one when he handled the ball outside the penalty area and should have been ejected.

THE BAD:

* Apparent racial slurs directed at DC goalkeeper LOUIS CRAYTON after the game. This can not be tolerated and when it occurs it sadly brands in the minds of many the atmosphere at Robertson. This idiot apparently was apprehended and will be barred from future games.

* DYNAMO looked sluggish, and had difficulty finding a passing rhythm. DOMINIC KINNEAR told me before the game he really wanted to get his wide playing going as usual but both BRIAN MULLAN and BRAD DAVIS had few moments. In their defense DC dropped in their own half and their wide players IVAN GUERRERO and DEVON MCTAVISH were content on defending and rarely looked inclined to go forward. Ditto for SANTINO QUARANTA who went out and marked CORY ASHE when DC was resigned to 10 men after BRYAN NAMOFF was ejected.

* With DC coming for the point and not opening up the DYNAMO many times were resigned to alot of direct play . All in all a frustrating night for team that just didn’t seem to get the engine going.

* The field was atrocious and did effect the Dynamo. The hard surface after getting pounded on by UH football looked more like playing on cement. It affected the control of the DYNAMO and proved to be a neutralizer for DC. Many unforced passing errors and individual control marred this game. THIS GAME CLEARLY ILLUSTRATED WHY A STADIUM IS NECESSITY FOR THE FUTURE OF THE HOUSTON DYNAMO. POOR , HARD SURFACE MADE IT ADDITIONALLY CHALLENGING FOR PLAYERS, LINES MADE IT A CONFUSING BLUR AND MAY EVEN HAVE INFLUENCED A REFEREE DECISION. ANYONE WATCHING THIS ON TV THAT IS FROM OVERSEAS AND A POTENTIAL NEW FAN LOOKS AT THE LINES AND MAY TUNE OUT.
THIS STADIUM AT THIS STAGE OF THE SEASON CAN HURT THE GROWTH OF THE FAN BASE. LET ALONE BE A POOR ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE GAME ON TV.
THESE PLAYERS, FANS AND LEAGUE NEED BETTER. THIS FURTHER POINTS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF A STADIUM AND FANS MUST CONTINUE TO KEEP THIS ISSUE ON THE FOREFRONT.
LAST NIGHT SOCCER TURNED HARD AND LESS CREATIVE BECAUSE OF THE STADIUM SITUATION.

* BRYAN NAMOFF ejection . All due respect to BALDOMERO TOLEDO but a second yellow card and ejection for that challenge on that night? And then to miss the hand ball from LOUIS CRAYTON outside the penalty area was more disturbing…….linesman? The wrong guy for DC got sent off.

DYNAMO fans will need to ramp it up against SAN JOSE this Wednesday night. The game can be seen on Channel 55 but you will want to be at the stadium live!!!!!