In the first of three home games for the Houston Dynamo in the next seven days, things didn’t get off to a great start for the men in orange. DC United controlled possession in the opening 15 minutes and looked to be getting the better of the Dynamo. That all changed when DC goalkeeper Bill Hamid was sent off in the 17th minute.
Corey Ashe sent a perfect pass over the top and Mac Kandji was in 1 on 1 against Hamid. Kandji pushed the ball by Hamid and the DC keeper took Kandji down. The referee had no choice but to award the Dynamo a penalty and send Hamid to an early shower. Brad Davis took the penalty in the 19th minute. Backup keeper Joe Willis guessed correctly, but Davis’ shot was perfectly placed. Davis nearly doubled the lead just moments later in the 21st minute. His right footed curler was saved excellently by Willis onto the underside of the cross bar.
Forced to play down a man the DC defense was stretched thin. A beautiful run by Luiz Camargo in the 37th minute doubled the Dynamo lead. Camargo got to the end line on the right of the box and passed into middle for Will Bruin to tap into an empty net. It was Bruin’s team leading 10th goal and the Dynamo went into the halftime break feeling very comfortable.
Things got even more comfortable in the 62nd minute when new designated player Boniek Garcia opened his account in Major League Soccer scoring on a header. After a great build up, Brad Davis fed Andre Haniault down the right side and the Canadian played a perfect cross to Boniek Garcia’s head. After the match Boniek Garcia commented that it was the first time he ever scored on a header in his career.
The rout was on but the scoring wasn’t complete until the 89th minute. Former Dynamo midfielder Danny Cruz took out Calen Carr as he tried to turn the corner towards goal. Brian Ching stepped up to take the penalty and calmly buried it down the middle.
If Geoff Cameron played his final game in orange, it was quite the swan song. Cameron played in the center of midfield and controlled the match. His vision and passing were stellar and he showed everyone why teams like Stoke City are after him. After the match Cameron took a long time to leave the pitch, even trading jerseys with Cruz. All signs point to Cameron leaving in the coming days. I for one have enjoyed watching Cameron play these past few years and wish him nothing but the best of luck in the next chapter of his career.
The 4-0 win was a big result for the Dynamo, even with DC having to play the majority of the match a man down. In order to get 9 points this week the Dynamo needed a win Sunday night and they got it. Wednesday’s match will be a tough test as East leaders Sporting Kansas City come to BBVA Compass Stadium. Houston and SKC recently drew 0-0 in Kansas City so if one team can find the back of the net they may find three points as well. The 4-3-3 formation showed some promise and with Calen Carr coming on as a second half sub it looked like something that has a lot of promise. Wednesday is a short turnaround for the Dynamo but they will have to stay focused with a potent offense coming to town. I’ll have more on this game Wednesday. Until then, enjoy the win and go back and look at Corey Ashe’s pass that set up the first penalty. He won’t get credit for assist on it but that play turned the game for the Dynamo.
(image courtesy of Nigel Brooks)
