DC came out against Houston at BBVA Compass Stadium sporting a lineup of a 4-4-1 despite being down key players of Najar and Hamid. Ben Olsen was surely focusing on getting a result on the road in Houston with Brad Davis explaining that it would be a hard fought game, and this was a tribute to the Houston fans in attendance. Davis also explained the “do or die” atmosphere for both DC United and the Dynamo. Although this Eastern Conference Final was one of high importance its key to take a moment to thank those Veterans of our country whom have served and risked their lives for the United States. And with that, DC United and the Houston Dynamo proved to be a thriller.
DC have only conceded 3 goals in the past 6 away matches however the Houston Dynamo have DC’s number at BBVA Stadium with a 9-4-2 record. An interesting fact to note in the first half is that Houston is 1-9-2 when conceding the first goal of the match, while DC United is 7-0-0 when leading at half time. Both teams are injury stricken with the small amount of rest from the Eastern Semifinal’s with DC missing Najar, Hamid and Saragosa and Pontius came into the match injured, while Houston had injury concerns of their own with Ricardo Clark out of the lineup. Houston definitely had early pressure on DC and controlled the midfield exceptionally well with Camargo winning balls left and right. DC was found on the back foot as Houston continuously played balls forward and found much space on the flanks which produced what seemed to be corner after corner in the opening ten minutes of the match. Houston’s midfield was superior for the majority of the first half with Garcia, Davis and Camargo working well providing balls into Will Bruin and Kandji.
DC’s first blow came when Chris Pontius suffered a knock that increased his previous injury preventing him to continue. After only twelve minutes DC were forced to make their first sub with Lewis Neal coming into the fold and Captain Chris Pontius heading to the bench (the captains armband then went to Brandon McDonald). Reports say that Pontius strained his left groin and hopefully DC will see him injury free come next weekend. Lewis Neal was the first to test Tally Hall with a driven shot in the 17th minute that was easily parried away and out of danger. With Chris Pontius out of the picture, Houston switched to what looked to be a 4-3-3 with Kandji, Bruin and Davis working tirelessly to win free kicks. The speed of Ashe was just too much in the first half for both Robbie Russell and Chris Korb. Despite DC’s shakiness at the back, Joe Willis is not afraid to make claim in his box as he made himself a big presence.
The momentum changed in an instant. Just as Houston seemed to be pressing for the first goal of the match, Pajoy was strung behind the Houston back line. Taking a positive touch towards goal, he took a brilliant shot off the post which then saw the ball come straight out to rookie, Nick DeLeon. DeLeon took a confident shot that took a slight deflection off Hainault and into the back of the net in the 27th minute to give DC the 1-0 advantage. Ten minutes later in the 37th minute, Joe Willis was called upon to make a diving save to his left off a moment of 1v1 brilliance by Kandji. DC seemed content with the occasional attacks and seemed to be pretty content with their defensive posture. In the 40th minute Saragosa who had been struggling all game, was subbed out by Augusto. Augusto’s appearance into the match in the 40th minute was his MLS Debut, and what a tme for him to enter the first team. As half time approached, both teams were feeling fatigued as the game slowed to a walking pace at times. The last bit of controversy was a 1v1 with the goalkeeper in which it looked like Augusto was taken down by the Dynamo defender, Hainault in which it looked to be a clear red: however since there was no call, the game must continue on. Ben Olsen was furious at half-time exclaiming the non-call was “unbelievable, but we’ll move on.” And with that the DC goalkeeper coach and long time MLS player, Pat Onstad was shown a red for his arguments with the referee. DC entered the half with the 1-0 advantage.
The start of the second half saw DC United sleeping in the 52nd minute and were punished. DC took too long to pick up their men during a free kick and were unable to track back, allowing defender Hainault finish to level the score 1-1. DC’s injury troubles continued in the 56th minute when Dudar was forced to enter the match for the injured Brandon McDonald. Following the substitution, Garcia continued to run circles around DC’s defense but in the 65th minute DC started gaining some of the possession of their own. Augusto had a shot, and then Bobby Boswell had an excellent header off the line after a great run down the wing by Robbie Russell in the 66th minute. Yet moments later in the 68th minute, Will Bruin was able to convert after the initial save by Joe Willis to bring the Dynamo to a 2-1 advantage. This all happened with Russell out of position and Jakovic forced out wide opening the middle of defense. Houston sealed it in the 80th minute with a poorly cleared ball by Augusto eventually found its way to defender Sarkodie, who converted well far post past Willis to make it a 3-1 final.
Houston clearly dominated for large stretches of the game, however DC fans have to be hopeful because the team was without Pontius, McDonald for stretches, Najar, Hamid and De Rosario. At the same time, the game could have been completely different if Houston were down to 10 men in the first half after Hainault’s tackle non-call, however that cannot be changed now and DC must look forward. DC and Houston both have a week to secure their lineups and recuperate their injured players for the second leg on November 18th at 3pm at RFK Stadium. My DC United Man of the Match is Lionard Pajoy. Although Pajoy did not have much support up top for long stretches he was still able to create a few key chances for United and did expertly well holding the ball. DC must now come back to RFK Stadium and know a win is necessary. DC must win by more than 2 goals to make it to the MLS Cup Final, while a 2 goal lead would bring added extra time. Both DC and Houston managers have lots to work on during this upcoming week, and we are sure to have a hotly contested match on November 18th.
(image courtesy of David J. Phillip/AP Photo)
