You’ll often hear people say “a win is a win” when talking about sports. Usually this is said after your team wins a game ugly and you are just happy to walk away with the victory. Those words were probably uttered throughout Houston after last night’s season opening 1-0 win over Chivas USA.
Canadian defender Andre Hainault finally beat Chivas keeper Dan Kennedy in the 92nd minute to give the Dynamo 3 points to start their MLS season. Kennedy was brilliant throughout the match, stopping numerous Dynamo chances. Geoff Cameron played a beautiful through ball with the outside of his foot to Brian Ching in the 13th minute but Ching couldn’t get a shot off. 12 minutes later Will Bruin found himself alone on Kennedy but the second year forward smashed his shot right at the keeper.
Chivas USA had two great chances in the first half, the first coming when Oswaldo Minda had a free header in the box but got it all wrong and missed the goal completely. The other chance came when Juan Pablo Angel got free at the near post on a corner kick but his volley struck the near post.
Both teams saw decent chances in the second half but were headed for a nil-nil draw to open their seasons. The match was decided when Brad Davis sent in a corner kick late in stoppage time. The ball was headed away but Adam Moffat sent it right back into the box. Hainault grabbed the pass with one touch and turned and fired in a left footed shot that won the game for the Dynamo.
As I mentioned in the preview, I didn’t think Chivas would find a goal against the great Dynamo defense. Tally Hall earned his 8th career shutout and Geoff Cameron was the man of the match for me. You know your defense is on form when they score the game winner.
The Dynamo will continue their season opening road trip Saturday. The San Jose Earthquakes are the opponent but San Francisco is the venue. Houston and San Jose will play at AT&T Park the home of Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants.
(image courtesy of Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
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