On Saturday night at BBVA Compass Stadium in front of 14,415 fans, the Dynamo beat the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 to tie a Major League Soccer record with 34 straight games unbeaten at home. Only the NBA’s Chicago Bulls have a longer home unbeaten streak to open a new stadium in US sports history.
For the first time all season the Dynamo got a goal in the first half. In the 18th minute, Oscar Boniek Garcia, returning from international duty, got free on the right side. He was able to fight through a challenge on the edge of the box to keep possession before finding Will Bruin open in front of net. Bruin made no mistake and finished first time for his first goal of 2013. Bruin nearly doubled his tally on 21 minutes. The Dynamo number 12 got into the box on the left side but Earthquakes keeper Jon Busch did well to get down and stop the near post shot.
The Dynamo would double their lead in the 42nd minute. Midfielder Brad Davis, also returning from international duty, played in a perfectly weighted cross from the left and Giles Barnes rose to get to the ball before Busch and the San Jose defense and headed the ball into the back of the net. Barnes spoke in the post game about making eye contact with Davis before making his run. Barnes has now scored in consecutive matches and he seems to be getting comfortable in MLS. With Bruin now finding his scoring boots, and Brian Ching, Cam Weaver, and Omar Cummings on the bench, the Dynamo may have the best forward corps in the league.
San Jose had few chances as the Dynamo defense well to frustrate league MVP Chris Wondolowski. Substitute Mike Fucito had an opportunity in the 71st minute after being played in by Justin Morrrow. Fucito’s left footed shot however was right at Tally Hall. Wondolowski had a ball go right through his legs inside the 6 yard box and hot an off balanced headed effort off the bar in second half injury time. The third Dynamo player returning from international duty, Jermaine Taylor, was key in helping the Dynamo backline shut out a potent San Jose attack. Coach Dom Kinnear spoke after the match about how Wondolowski never stops moving and he is tough to deal with. It took an effort from everyone on the back line and they were up to the challenge.
The Dynamo will have a chance to break the unbeaten home streak, held by Real Salt Lake, when they take on the Chicago Fire on April 14th. However, the Dynamo next travel to Portland to take on the Timbers. The Dynamo have yet to gain a point on the road this season so it will be interesting to see how the team comes out for a late game on the West Coast. I will have more on this game later in the week. For now, the Dynamo sit 2nd in the East and once again in 2013 BBVA Compass Stadium is proving to be a fortress.
(image courtesy of mlssoccer.com)
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