Fantastic Finish

Down 2-1 with three-quarters of the series gone by, Dynamo Houston were outplaying a physical and often gamesman Chivas USA...but had nothing to show for it. Into the 2nd half, another cheap shot -- this time in the penalty box against DeRo who was sighting up for a header -- resulted in a PK for Dynamo. I wonder if DeRo was feeling like he was in a slump based on his recent penalty result (saved in the first leg by Chivas' GK, Brad Guzan), because leftie Brad Davis took the kick and leveled the series.

But -- wow -- with the game at 1 minute and 40 seconds into the 2-minute stoppage time, Serioux passes the ball around the midfield to Davis, who goes wide to DeRo, who dribbles into the box, sends a beautiful, arcing cross to the far post where defender (defender!) Eddie Robinson heads the ball down hard. The ball takes a high bounce and (1:57 into the 2:00 stoppage) Ching ignores a body-slamming Regan and drills the ball into the net with his head.

Game, set, match. Dynamo caps off a terrific inaugural season in dramatic fashion. Now they get to host the Rapids next weekend for the Western Conference Championship. We'll be there.

I wonder, in retrospect, if Dynamo weren't better off going into the second leg down a goal. That position was the catalyst for Chivas to play against their own strengths, to ignore what got them to the playoffs in the first place, and shelve their attacking style of soccer for a negative, bunkered strategy. That isn't their style, and playing out of character took its toll. They had only one true challenge on our goal (and that was in the first minute of the game), had a frustrated player sent off in the second half, and seemed to be on borrowed time as Dynamo moved the ball at will and peppered Guzan. If Dynamo had been level or ahead in the differential, the roles may have been reversed and Chivas might have earned a trip to the Conference finals.

Excellent strategy, DeRo, missing that PK and forcing Chivas to play a losing game. You are strong with the Force.