1.) JOHAN says grass!
I love this! Legendary Dutch midfielder and one of the all time greats in the game Cruyff has told Chivas of Guadalajara owner Jorge Vergara that the OmniLife stadium in Guadalajara needs to be grass. Guess who’s getting a grass field?

2.) Monterrey/Santos
Tonight a great final kicks off at 9pm between Monterrey and Santos featuring one Herculez Gomez. One assumes he will get called into the national team as 13 other players will be added to the original 16 that have already been picked by Jurgen Klinsmann.
Herc has been a frequent guest on Soccer Matters.

3.) LOCAL 2 Coverage of DYNAMO at NE
Join Eddie Robinson, Randy McIlvoy, Adam Clanton and I for coverage of the DYNAMO at NE this Saturday on local 2 beginning at 6pm. A half hour post and pre-game show supports the game call.

4.) DYNAMO v. SAN ANTONIO
How cool would this be?
A roadie to San Antonio possibly on May 29th at 7:30pm for the third round of the U.S. Open Cup against the Scorpions!
If the Scorpions beat Laredo it will happen.
Dynamo midfielder Josue Soto is currently on loan to the Scorpions and Dominic Kinnear was once coached by Tim Hankinson who heads up the San Antonio NASL team.

5.) CHAMPIONS LEAGE FINAL
It is on this Saturday from Munich, Germany.
Chelsea will be missing four players including Branislav Ivanivic, John Terry, Ramires and Raul Miereles.
Noteworthy misses for Bayern Alaba and Holger Badstuber.
Get ready for defending deep and a repeat of tactics from the Barcelona game from the “Blues”.
They will have incentive as it is likely the final game for Didier Drobga and players like Frank Lampard will want to go out on top!!!!

THANK YOU: IRONMAN, SNAPPLE, FIESTA, HOUSTON TOROS FUTSAL, TEXAS DUTCH LIONS FC, DANISH INSPIRATIONS, ZUKOWSKI, BRESENHAN, AND SINEX….sponsors who have put the sport of soccer on the air!

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

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The first ever night game at BBVA Compass Stadium ended in a 0-0 draw between the Dynamo and the Portland Timbers.

The Dynamo running on fumes fought on the night despite the fact that they were playing in their third game in 7 days.

Dominic Kinnear brought fresh players on to start the match in Nathan Sturgis, Mac Kandji and Cory Ashe. Both teams spent the night trying to unlock each other defensively and at the end of the night the Dynamo had the better chances but were denied by Portland goalkeeper Troy Perkins who was outstanding on the night.

TEAM SHAPE/TIGHT LINES:
The Dynamo have eliminated their self inflicted mistakes in their last two games and have looked strong defensively. The shape of their team, commitment to work, and the tightness of their lines made the night difficult for Darlington Nagbe and co.
Kris Boyd the Portland DP was rendered ineffective.
Dynamo defenders Bobby Boswell and Geoff Cameron seemed more selective and “stayed home” more as central defenders.

MOTH
Man of the match for the Dynamo went to Jermaine Taylor for his diligent work and timely interventions.
For Portland goalkeeper Troy Perkins denied Calen Carr twice on the best opportunities of the night.

CHANGES
Dominic Kinnear brought on Colin Clark, Brian Ching, and Alex Dixon. This enabled him to move the pace of Calen Carr against the last line of the Portland defense.
As we learned last year, the threat behind a defense reaps benefits. Carr had two quality chances only to be denied by Perkins.

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

The Dynamo 3-3-2 (7th in East playing fewer games) coming off an emotional 1-0 win over DC United to open the new digs will be playing in a ridiculous 3rd game in 7 days.
Meanwhile the Timbers at 2-5-2 (last in West) are desperate for points so as not to fade out of the Western Conference race.
They have struggled to score goals but are coming off a game in Columbus where they did create “chances”.

Tactics:
Both teams play in a 4-4-2 and like to get it wide and get delivery into strikers.
Will Portland look to push a potentially fatigued Dynamo coming in on 9 days rest?
Dynamo head man Dominic Kinnear has said that he will make changes to adapt to the brutal schedule so one might see 3-4 changes like in New York to freshen up the squad.
Brad Davis has gone 180 minutes in two straight games but seemed fit and ready to go during his interview last night on Sports Talk 790 with me.
Many of the regulars predictably did little in training on Tuesday.
Players like Mac Kandji, Colin Clark, Nathan Sturgis, Cam Weaver, Luiz Camargo all seem good bets to potentially get extended playing time.
This will mean Kinnear will have to mix and match to get the lineup that he wants against his former assistant John Spencer.

NO EASY GAMES:
Some might look to seeing Portland in last place and assume alot. Fact is that any team on any given night can beat another in MLS. The timbers are hungry for goals and wins.
In their last game a 0-0 draw against Columbus they created a-lot of chances but failed to score goals.
Wide man Rodney Wallace had three opportunities while traditional penalty area striker Kris Boyd also collected some.
Darlington Nagbe is a talent to be watched tonight and likely should partner Boyd.
Michael Fucito is a buzzer and could be an option off the bench.
Former Dynamo Lovel Palmer is in the holding midfield role while Mike Chabalas is a potential at left back.

PACE OF GAME
Portland might actually want to be the aggressors in this one to test the Dynamo mentally and physically. Then again the adrenaline of opening a new stadium could and should still be enough to carry the Dynamo through the night.
The Dynamo will want to control this game through a good night of possession.

CENTER BACK STRENGTH
The Dynamo got a solid stable performance at the back from Bobby Boswell and Geoff Cameron in one of their best games together on the year. They need to be the strength for the Dynamo to build off tonight.
Jermaine Taylor played solid out wide and one wonders if Cory Ashe is healthy and can play. If so fresh legs and pace come back in the lineup.

CAMARGO INFLUENCE
Luiz Camargo should play a vital role along with Brad Davis in getting the club possession and helping them to keep the ball and dictate things. I believe Portland will truly try to push the tempo their athleticism.

SET PIECES
Always important and Portland aware of the danger that the Dynamo provide in this area.

SPENCER/KINNEAR
If there is one person in the league who knows the Dynamo it is John Spencer who was once in the “inner circle” as an assistant coach.

TIME OF OPPORTUNITY
For the Dynamo those that get more playing time tonight are going to be counted on to get the job done and help shift and carry the game.
Attention to detail, good use of the ball, ability to concentrate will all be areas the Dynamo will hope to have a good night with the crazy 3 games in 7 days schedule.
Honestly, who did the scheduling?

STORYLINES:
The Dynamo wanted Scottish International Kris Boyd as a DP but after showing him the city he opted to sign with Portland.
Former Dynamo players Mike Chabala and Lovel Palmer return and will have something to prove. They were both a part of the trade that brought Adam Moffat to Houston which help to jump start the run that took the Dynamo to the MLS Cup title.

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

Tonight I want to hear your impressions of the opener at BBVA Compass, Manchester City winning the title in the EPL. What a time for soccer !!!!!
Show can be accessed on sports790.com, IHEART RADIO.

SOCCER MATTERS brought to you by IRONMAN at MEMORIAL HERMANN will air Wednesday due to Dynamo tv at 8pm cst.

DYNAMO THOUGHTS

The Dynamo are going to have to rebound in very quick fashion against Portland tomorrow night.
Remarkably, this is their 3rd game in 7 days and coach Dominic Kinnear will have to mix and match to get the best out of his team.
Challenges come in a variety of forms with the fatigue issue and Kinnear and company will be looking very closely at who will be able to provide performance tomorrow night (FOX Sports Houston).
This is a time where players have to be honest with what they are capable of.
Remember, after Tuesday the Dynamo head to New England and Gillette Stadium to play on the fake stuff.
Cam Weaver, Mac Kandji, Luiz Camargo, Colin Clark, Alex Dixon, Cory Ashe, Kofi Sarkodie all could be pivotal in these next two games.
Yes, it is a time of opportunity for players .

FANDOM
It was great re-connnecting with those in the soccer community at the stadium opener!! It was a genuine pleasure connecting with those that I have known and not known in our soccer community.
Special thanks to La Bateria to let me do a bit of drumming as well!!!

MANCHESTER CITY
Still amazed at how this finishined in the EPL.
Was amazing to see City celebrating after two stoppage time goals and then to see QPR celebrating with their fans despite losing after the knowledge that they stayed up.

“This is a great feeling but I want to win more,” City defender Vincent Kompany.

What is on your soccer mind ?

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

Manchester City would stun QPR with stoppage time goals from Edin Dzeko and Kun Aguero win 3-2 and thus take the EPL title on goal difference over United.
It was a day of amazing drama reminding us of how remarkable the EPL is!

Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell and “Blues” from the past would rejoice in their first title in 44 years and Italian Roberto Mancini would somehow guide his team despite the attention drawing antics of Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez to the title.

The “noisy neighbors” are now the “noisy champions” and sets up an interesting 2012-2012 season!

Champions League places were gathered by Man City, Man United, Arsenal, Spurs. Next weekend’s Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Chelsea will be relevant to Spurs. If Chelsea wins Spurs will be demoted to the Europa League.

*The historic first ever night game will take place Tuesday night as the Dynamo take on the Portland Timbers.

*Radio tomorrow night at 8pm on Sports Talk 790 . Hope you will join me and guests!!!

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

1.) PASSION of the fan: It was a delight in itself to walk around and absorb the atmosphere that was made up of fans who were overwhelmed with excitement and had smiles on their faces!!

2.) DAVIS GOAL OF QUALITY: The game needed a goal and Brad Davis provided it in stunning fashion. His five star goal jumped off his left foot and will go down in infamy. A fitting goal from a fitting player who along with Brian Ching is the lone remaining players from 2006.

3.) HONORING OF FORMER PLAYERS: A great touch with Pat Onstad, Craig Waibel , Wade Barrett, and Eddie Robinson bringing out the MLS Cups of 2006, 2007 prior to the game. Oliver Luck also was rained with tremendous cheers pre-game and he did bring out the Orange Jacket!

4.) CORNER KICKS: DYNAMO fans are clued in to the team’s danger off the corner. Everytime Brad Davis went to take one the volume level went up.

5.) POST GAME RADIO: It was great to see Dynamo fans out for the post game radio show and to get autographs from players. Fans could not hear callers on the post game radio show but that will be rectified for the Tuesday game against Portland.

6.) HOUSTON BUILDERS: Having been in Houston since 1984 I have been fortunate to be connected to so many passionate soccer individuals. It was great to run into many of these people and “builders” who were passionate about the game at a time when it was less progressive. It was great to see their sense of pride!!
Lots of former pro’s were in the audience as well from the Houston Stars, Houston Hurricanes, Houston Dynamos and Houston Hotshots.

7.) YOUTH: What better way is their to make an impression on a youth soccer player in the area? Bring them to the stadium and unleash the dream of possibility. Loved seeing kicks kicking around a ball in the parking lot.

8.) RADIO CALLER CHAD: His phone call at the end of the day on the post game radio show put it all together for me. He mentioned how his father used to take him to Hurricane and Houston Dynamos games in the early and mid eighties.
He was at the game with his father and his son. This generational thing is huge!!

9.) DYNAMO PRESSURE: The Dynamo up the drive and desire under difficult circumstances having to play a second game in four days. The final 20 minutes they were all over DC providing some exciting moments !!!
Brad Davis was the MOTM, Jermaine Taylor was solid at left back, Dynamo center backs Bobby Boswell, Geoff Cameron were strong and the team avoided the self inflicted mistakes of the three prior games.

10.) PORTLAND NEXT- Hard to believe the scheduling is even possible but hte Dynamo will take on Portland Tuesday in the first ever night game at the stadium. Looking forward to calling this game on Fox Sports Houston!!!

11.) BRUTAL SCHEDULE- I remind you again the Dynamo will be on their 3rd game in seven days on Tuesday. They then go to NE to play on artificial surface on Saturday (Local 2 ).

12.) BRIAN CHING’s mom. I have met Brian Ching’s mom while watching training at UH and on other occasions. She gave me a Hawaiian Lei and it was only later that I realized it was inscribed with the date, Hawaiian Brian #25 on a ribbon.
A great keepsake to remember the day.

Now give me your thoughts and observations on the day!!

On an additional note I got to play the drums with La Bateria at the post game Orange Bar party!

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

A huge thank you must go to Dynamo ownership (AEG, Brener Group, Oscar De La Hoya) for making the commitment to come to Houston and get this stadium built.

Whether you are a long time soccer fan or someone that has just become a fan of the game in 2006 with the return of professional soccer, it does not matter.
This is your day!

Hopes , dreams, possibility all come with this stadium in various forms, it is a symbol, a pillar of the sport in one of the largest and most diverse cities in the United States.

To those who supported the lean times here in Houston wishing the game would one day reach it’s rightful spot on the sports landscape, this is your day!

To those who committed, enjoyed , participated, organized, built at the youth, high school, college and professional level, this is your day!

To those who were owners of the Houston Stars, Houston Hurricanes, Houston Dynamos, Houston Hotshots, this is your day!

To those that played professionally for these clubs and the current Houston Dynamo, this is your day!

Those who I don’t know and wish I knew that committed to the sport with passion and effort , this is your day!

To those sponsors that support and have supported soccer and believed in it. This is your day!

To those that committed to the game in Houston that are no longer with us.

To you the fan, that brought attention to the sport in this city. That influenced so strongly that professional soccer returned and put us on the path to having a stadium of pride.

A stadium for the people, enjoy and honor the day and your participation in the game no matter what category you fit in!!!

I hope I have not missed anyone but look forward to seeing smiles on the faces of fans , players, staff and all involved!!!!

” As a fan and a former player I believe the city of Houston deserves a symbol of their continued and loyal passion for the game. We’ve seen all around the world how a stadium can become so much more than a building. It becomes a visual reminder of what dedication, discipline and perseverance really mean. It’s a place where people come together to pay homage to their pride for the game, the players, the spirit of challenge, generation after generation. It joins people, transcends time, and makes us all believe in more….

~Beto Dos Santos
Former Houston Hotshots and Houston Dynamo

Hope to see you at the ORANGE BAR post game!!!

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

Post game radio: The post game radio show and autograph hunting continues this year at the SouthWest side of the stadium. See you there after the game as we do a live call in show on Sports Talk 790, call in number 713-212-5790.

First goal from a Dynamo:
I am going with a rested Brian Ching.

First goal from non Dynamo:
Dwayne DeRosario

Tomorrow morning a heartfelt piece on the Houston soccer and what it means to fans tomorrow! Come back to glenndavissoccer.com

The night featured a match between the United States u17 team and the Dynamo u18 Academy . The U.S. won 3-0 and fans got a look at the talented Junior Flores who wore number 10.

The soft opening has only gotten fans even more excited about tomorrow’s official stadium opener against DC United who comes in with former Dynamo legends midfielder and last year’s league MVP Dwayne DeRosario and assistant coach Pat Onstad.

DeRosario, Onstad and Dynamo assistant Wade Barrett, college assistant coach Craig Waibel, Dynamo tv analyst Eddie Robinson will all be honored in a ceremony before the game.

The celebration for soccer and the Dynamo is not far off!

One repeated thought that came from fans was the brightness of the lights and the way they were positioned?

What were your thoughts on the “soft” opening? How do you like the stadium?

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc

CHANGES: Dynamo head man Dominic Kinnnear made four changes starting Brad Davis, Mac Kandji, Calen Carr and Cam Weaver.
Brian Ching was rested for the home opener Saturday against DC United.

RED BULLS DEFEND DEEP:
After getting the 1-0 lead New York defended deep in the first half.
Red Bulls manager Hans Backe then brought on Juan Agudelo to start the secon half and give them a slightly more attacking look.

DYNAMO CHANCES
The Dynamo had four very good chances on this night coming from Brad Davis, Calen Carr and Adam Moffat. They had the better of possession and territorial play. Produced more crosses but in the end were not good enough in either penalty area. Davis came close on a header and a bending shot after knifing into the box. He clearly for me was the man of the match with his push to get the equalizer in the final 15 minutes wearing the captain’s armband.
A Calen Carr header was turned away and then gathered by goalkeeper Ryan Meara.

ATTENTION ON HOME OPENER
The home opener is the focus now on Saturday but the Dynamo need to reverse first and foremost the trend of costly individual mistakes and playing from behind. Others occurred throughout the match outside of the opener in the 7th minute that led to the goal.
Most New York Red Bull chances did not come from their own creation.
They came from loss of possession from the Dynamo in bad areas of the field, individual mistakes in bad areas of the field, or off second balls that they got to first.
Hopefully the energy of the home opener can help the Dynamo reverse the trend and get back in the win column.

SOFT OPENING
The Dynamo soft opening of the stadium for season ticket holders is tonight at 7:30. The Dynamo u18 Academy team takes on the U.S. under 17 national team.

Twitter: GlennDavisSoc