Oh so close in El Salvador

The Dynamo Reserves did what they had to do and kept the Dynamo in the mix for moving on to the knockout stages of the Champions League. But they were within mere minutes of being the first MLS team to win a CONCACAF match overseas this year. (Recap. Recap by Ives.)

The second team carried the play of the first half and could easily have had another goal or two, but it conceded possession and territory throughout the second. Even then, though they lagged in possession, they had the more dangerous opportunities on goal. And, in the 87th minute, had Caig not mis-timed his punch or had Chabala gotten his legs together quicker on the goal line, the team would have gotten the full 3 points. (With Onstad on the field as the only change to the lineup, we win.)

But the team should be extremely proud, being better than the El Salvador first team in the first half and being their equal in the second. And, best of all, they got the result they needed.

The Dynamo Blog has some notes on the game. (The Chronicle and B-Fall do as well, as usual. Those links expire quickly though, so get there via the Chronicle link in the left margin.)

It'll be up to the first team to win the game on November 26 (3 days after the MLS Cup...and the Dynamo Three-peat?) so we can move to the next stage. Given the performance of the Reserves last night, one has to think the first team should be able to get the necessary 3 points, but they will be facing a side that will pack it in seeking the tie and the easy counter-attacking goal. The Dynamo often struggle scoring against sides that put 11 behind the ball.

But first things first: Let's get our first turf win of the season this Saturday. Go Dynamo!