King of the Lone Star State

For the second year running, Dynamo have bested their Texas counterparts, FC Dallas, and kept ownership of El Capitan. The howitzer has remained silent in our possession, but hopefully we'll be able to fire it at will once (if) we move to our permanent stadium home. The "rivalry" is young, but if the current trend continues, we may not even relinquish possession of the big gun until after we move into a new home.

In the first half, Alvarez and Ricardinho both had excellent shots on goal. That sums up Dallas' dangerous threats in the first half.

For the Orange, the opportunities came from Jaqua (who should've been awarded a PK after a Dallas handball deflected his shot), Ngwenya (who could've used his body better to get between Burse and the ball after the GK misjudged the ball's bounce; but alas Burse was able to touch the ball out of bounds), Ianni and Robinson (on several corners), and our entire midfield from distance. We had a wealth of "almosts" until, thankfully, Mullan broke free on the right flank and sent the perfect cross for Ching to head in. A few minutes later came halftime.

With the defense at home, one goal is all that is needed for the Orange Crush. Still, the second half saw us pick up some excellent chances for insurance goals. D-Ro should've had one and Wondo could have had a couple. On the other end, Ruiz had some open headers off corners, but both went straight to Onstad.

I can't find much fault with the team today (although the finishing COULD be better still). I thought Mullan was the MOTM, though I think Clark -- who had a good game -- got the official nod. Ching did well (I thought he was missing most of the Pachuca match); Jaqua, Ngwenya, and Wondo were dangerous; and D-Ro and Clark were solid in the middle. D-Ro didn't maximize a few of his looks on goal, but he was the creative force in the middle again -- as he should be. Mulrooney, Ianni, E-Rob, Barrett, and Onstad were nearly faultless, and the clean sheet was well earned.

One thing that did tick me off: I forgot my camera, so I didn't get a good shot of the new jersey on its inaugural game. I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunities, but still!

Kudos also go to:

• The new jerseys; we're undefeated in them!
• Mother Nature for bringing along that breeze
• The Jumbotron screen official, for saving money with an economy of letters, showing the score for "FC Dalas."
• Ianni, Mulrooney, Mullan, and Waibel for clapping their appreciation to our side of the field (Eastern Stands, Section 118 specifically) as they walked off the field. The entire team justifiable showed their appreciation to the TA and EB in 213 and 214, but those four were very considerate in showing their appreciation for our somewhat less enthusiastic contributions to the game.
• My wife, for packing an awesome pre- and post-game tailgate repast. She wouldn't let me stay for the Reserve match, but she made up for it by feeding me well.
  

I saw Jaqua, Mullan, and Holden in the "autograph pen" after the game. Holden looked like he might be able to get back on the field next week. Cochrane should be back, which is a good thing since E-Rob will have to sit out the match due to yellow card accumulation. Ngwenya was sure limping off the field at the end of the game. He looked very dangerous today, and I hope he can play next week versus the Crew. I think he got his first Dynamo goal the last time we faced his former team; I'd expect nothing less next weekend.

Ankle injuries can nag for quite a while (ask Daggers or that Englishman who plays for the "jewel of LA"), so I hope he's back to 100% by next weekend.

In the meantime, let's hope Ching gets some field time with the USMNT and shows well versus Sweden. But mostly, let's hope that he returns to us unscathed and ready to continue this fledgling winning streak we've just begun.