When big players return back to a team from national team duty they are expected to lead.
That is precisely what Brian Ching did last night when he put back on the “Orange” of the Houston Dynamo and scored twice in a 4-3 win over DC United.
Clearly the man of the match, Ching not only scored goals but put in an effort up front that was impressive after a month long stint with the U.S. National team.

SCORING FLURRY: The Dynamo opened up an even game between the 36th and 39th minutes of the first half that woke up the crowd.
First a stunning hit from Brad Davis in the 36th and then Ching scored twice in the span of a minute and a half to the delight of the Robertson faithful and took
a 3-0 lead into the locker room. Their 3-5-2 shredded in about 4 minutes.

SECOND HALF: It did not start the way you would want. DC yanked veterans Ben Olsen and Christian Gomez due to Concacaf Champions League play on Tuesday and inserted Luciano Emilio and Avery John. It only took Emilio 3 minutes to hit the score sheet and make it 3-1. The Dynamo thought would get awarded a penalty kick that Stuart Holden would convert to make it 4-1 in the 66th minute. At this point you would think the Dynamo could make life easier on themselves and manage the game out on an incredibly humid night.
Off a Dynamo loss of possession Brazilian Fred would bring DC within two with a sparkling goal cutting across the top of the box in the 75th minute to make it 4-2.
DC would not go away and Emilio would get a second to make it 4-3 in the 87th minute and Dynamo fans began to get nervous but in the end the Dynamo would finally find some real possession and kill off the final four minutes beautifully to take what is an extremely valuable three points despite the injury crisis.

With the individuals that DC has it is not surprising they can find ways to score goals . They are the number one goal scoring team in MLS. Stuart Holden looked to show a hint of fatigue based on the volume of games he has played in the Gold Cup which is understandable as this probably has been the most condensed soccer he has played as a professional as of late with national team duty. Based on his Gold Cup performance I think it is a good bet that he could join Brian Ching, Ricardo Clark with the U.S. National team for the big one in Mexico.
Mike Chabala continues to give his all and did will to hit vacant space in the DC 3-5-2 when Brad Davis moved central. For a player that played little in three years Chabala’s performances have been solid and a credit to his ethic. Many a player that had not seen the field over this period of time might have mentally gone away. A great story.

*LA lost 2-1 to Barcelona in front of 90,000 fans in the Rose Bowl with David Beckham hitting a spectacular free kick. The guy can play and based on all the off field antics he will continue to respond? Landon Donovan should be snapped up by a Spanish League squad…..why not Barcelona. He was as good as anybody on this night.
Spain would be perfect for his game……..

*Jeff Cunningham ran wild in Frisco last night scoring 4 goals as FC Dallas destroyed KC in a stunning 6-0 result. Few saw it as usual at PHP. It sets up an interesting Dynamo vs. FC Dallas match this Thursday night…Are you heading up?

Reminders: *Dynamo All Access with Glenn Davis radio show Monday night from 7-9pm

* Ask for the Smart Soccer Tips card brought to you by Fiesta at Soccer 4 All locations, Soccer Time in Pasadena plus Soccer Sport 11095 Bissonett and Futbol Total on
5859 Gessner

* Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis on Fox Sports Houston every Saturday morning at 9am covering not only local stories but professional game at all levels.
Tuesday re-air at 11:30 pm

* KHOU 11.2 carries Dynamo games on tv plus Dynamo Insider and Dynamo All Access so check your cable provider

*Dynamo on Fox this coming Thursday against FC Dallas from PHP park as I will have the call with former FC Dallas player Bobby Rhine.

* twitter.com/ SoccermattersGD

Have a great Sunday and give me your impressions on the Dynamo win over DC?