California has been kind to the Houston Dynamo in the 2012 season. After a win over Chivas USA in Los Angeles last week, the Dynamo made it 2 wins in 2 games in the Golden State after beating the San Jose Earthquakes in San Francisco. A first half penalty kick from Brad Davis was the difference as the Dynamo earned another hard fought 3 points on the road.
This game was similar to the previous win over Chivas USA, also a 1-0 score line, this time though the goal came early as Davis made no mistake from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded after Brian Ching was taken down in the box. Adam Moffat sent a chipped ball into the area and Ching and Earthquakes keeper Jon Busch both went for the ball. Busch didn’t get to the ball first, instead colliding with Ching and giving up the spot kick. Davis, who missed his last penalty kick against FC Dallas in the preseason, sent his shot low and to Busch’s left for the decisive goal. Busch guessed correctly with his dive but the shot had too much pace.
San Jose’s best chance came minutes before the Dynamo goal when Chris Wondolowski should have put the home side in front. A long throw into the box was not dealt with and as Houston keeper Tally Hall came to grab the ball Wondolowski headed it out of his arms. The net was gaping for the former Dynamo forward but with a difficult angle he could only manage to hit the side of the post.
Hall was spectacular again and combined with the stout Houston defense, pitched another shutout. Two late free kicks on the edge of the box could have resulted in a goal for San Jose but both opportunities were wasted, Chavez blasting high and Wondolowski hitting the wall. Wondolowski’s free kick appeared to come off Brad Davis’ hand in the box but the Quakes calls for a penalty kick fell on deaf ears.
I had the opportunity to watch this game at the Dynamo watch party downtown. For any Dynamo fans in the Houston area I highly recommend getting out to the next watch party. The atmosphere was great with fans screaming and chanting and the Dynamo partner with the bar hosting the event to provide some great food and drink specials. Be on the lookout for the next watch party posted on the team’s website and try to get out there. Maybe I’ll see you there.
With the win the Dynamo are level on points with Sporting Kansas City atop the Eastern Conference. The Dynamo will be back on the west coast for a Friday night game this week on the NBC Sports Network against a tough Seattle Sounders team. With a short week, more travel, and a hostile environment, this game will be a big test. After the Seattle match the Dynamo will not play another league game for over 3 weeks, returning to action April 15th.
(image courtesy of Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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