Posts Tagged ‘Houston Dynamo

What We're Watching

Channel Surfing: Your MLS Viewing Guide for the Weekend

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll want to have your eyes on as Week 10 of MLS action gets started Saturday.

Must See

You’re going to want to watch the Houston Dynamo vs. D.C. United, 4:30E, NBCSN.

When a MLS team gets a new stadium it’s a lot like when a buddy gets married. Some fans are perfectly content with what they already have, others might not have quite as pretty a partner but they’re still settled, and then there will be the outright envious who are single and would love to take the lucky guy’s place. But no matter what role you’re in, you want to see it because at the end of the day you’re happy for the guy. And you don’t even have to suit up for this one. (more…)

MLS

MLS by the Numbers, Week 3

Everyone loves stats and analyzing numbers – from how many goals were scored over the weekend to the total attendance of MLS games. So, here are some notable statistics from week three of MLS play. (Click links for visual representation of numbers.)

183565 – Slightly lower than last week, but 183565 people attended MLS games the past weekend. Each stadium had an attendance of 10000 or more, and the average attendance was 20,396.

1000 – Mat Reis made 3 saves against the Portland Timbers to become the 6th MLS goalkeeper to reach 1000 saves.

458 – Real Salt Lake completed the most passes, 458, in week three; their opponent, Chivas USA, completed only 267. Real aslo had more shots, 10, to Chivas’ 4. RSL produced 10 keys passes, while Chivas only constructed 2 ,but Real Salt Lake lost the game 1-0. (more…)

MLS

MLS by the Numbers Week 2

Everyone loves stats and analyzing numbers – from how many goals were scored over the weekend to the total attendance of MLS games. So, here are some notable statistics from week two of MLS play. 

213,418- The total attendance for all MLS games last weekend, for an average of 23,713 people per game.

58,912- The highest attended soccer game ever in the city of Montréal for the Impact’s opening MLS game. The Montréal Expos could only attract that many fans twice in 36 years.

7,723 -The lowest attended soccer game the past weekend when Chivas USA hosted the Vancouver Whitecaps at the Home Depot Center.

997- Matt Reis has saved 997 saves in his career after saving 4 shots against Sporting KC. The Revolution keeper could become the 6th MLS goalie to have career 1,000+ saves.

843- The Sporting KC-New England Revolution game combined for the most completed passes in week two, 843. Sporting completed 583 of those passes, which was more completed passes than the Philladelphia Union-Colorado Rapids (560) and FC Dallas-Portland Timbers (559) matches. Seth Sinovic had the most passes successful passes for Kansas City with 70.

180- The Houston Dynamo, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Sporting KC have all gone 180 minutes without being scored on; they are the only teams in MLS that have yet to give up a goal.  (more…)

MLS

MLS Cup Final Preview Roundup

All eyes are on LA this weekend, as MLS’ season finale awaits. Who will win the trophy – LA or Houston?

At this point, while the Galaxy is certainly the heavy favorites, there’s no doubting that the Dynamo is quite capable of lifting the trophy. After all, the team hasn’t lost since the beginning of September, and the pressure is all on LA to hoist the trophy.

Instead of rehashing other preview material available elsewhere, I thought I’d take another approach – a compilation preview, making available the quality stories you need to read before Sunday night, all from writers who are on the ground in LA (more or less). Also, after the jump, make your pick in the poll below.

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Featured, MLS

USA10Kit Roundtable: MLS Cup Final Predictions

The long road has finally reached its end, and on Sunday, the 2011 MLS Champions will be decided.

It’s sure to be a close match, with a plucky Houston side battling the Galaxy on its home turf at the Home Depot Center.

LA has it all, the star power, best statistical defense in the league, and seems to have finally got the mix right under Bruce Arena this season.

With another cup final to predict, the 10kit

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News in brief

News and Views for Friday, Nov. 18

U.S.

Sepp Blatter is taking heat…again. One of the only MLS players with the ability to really get Blatter’s attention has spoken out, calling the FIFA President’s comments “appaling.” Blatter is now “sorry,” but he’s not going to resign.

Some things to know about David Beckham’s Sunday opponents. Beckham’s side are certainly being touted as the favorites, with one pundit saying anything less than lifting the trophy would be a “disaster.”

If history is any indication, should Houston go down a goal Sunday night, don’t count them out.

All the weekend’s soccer listings for your perusal.

Global

Manchester City has posted breathtaking losses of nearly $315 million for 2010-11, the biggest loss ever in English football. Some perspective on United’s opulent neighbors.

Ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Stamford Bridge (Sunday, 11:00 AM ET), former Red Fernando Torres is once again defending his move from Anfield.

Carlos Tevez will not play for Manchester City again, according to Roberto Mancini.

10 Kit Originals

Brent takes a look at some tricky semi-final qualifying groups for CONCACAF’s traditional powers.

Featured, MLS

Experience Gives Houston Edge Against Philadelphia

Two of the more surprising entrants in the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs, also happen to be two of the teams with perhaps the biggest gulf in terms of postseason experience.

The Philadelphia Union, one of the league’s youngest teams, qualified for the playoffs in just the team’s second year of existence, and faces off in a two-leg series against the Houston Dynamo.

While the Dynamo don’t quite have the same roster as they did back in 2006-07, there are still plenty of leftovers from that championship-winning group, including Brad Davis and Brian Ching, who can help Houston as the playoff push begins on Sunday.

That makes it even more important for the veterans on the Union – the likes of Brian Carroll, Faryd Mondragon, and even Freddy Adu – to help give the young Union a lift, close the gap in experience, and remind young players to relax and keep calm as the playoff series gets underway.

“Because our group is an inexperienced group right now, we need any help from the veterans, any advice for the young players and get them to understand that there’s nothing different than when we started the season in the first game,” Philly coach Peter Nowak said. (more…)

News in brief

MON Sept. 26 (AM): Dynamo, DeRo, MLS, EPL, Americans Abroad, and Goals

Another week, another leader in the East. With three points secured in the dying moments of the match thanks to Geoff Cameron (and Brad Davis’ 14th assist), the Houston Dynamo not only took over atop the Eastern Conference standings, but will hoist El Capitan as winners of the Texas Derby. They also got their first away win of the season. Highlights here.

Top of the conference is great news for the Dynamo and their fans, but the lead is tenuous at best. The Dyanamo are a mere three points ahead of the New York Red Bulls (who won without Rafa Marquez), who currently sit fifth in an extremely congested playoff picture.

Another loss continues FC Dallas’ slide as the playoffs loom. The team could be getting some more bad news.

Former Dynamo midfielder Dwayne DeRosario had an evening to remember. The DC United star scored the fastest hat-trick in league history…and in stunning fashion.

Americans abroad found the back of the net three times over the weekend, while Michael Bradley was instrumental in his Chievo’s comeback win. Here’s a rundown of the performances.

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News in brief

MON Sept. 5 (AM): Beckham, USMNT, Italy, England, Nets, and More

The David Beckham to England rumors are starting up again. This time, EPL newcomer QPR is the club seeking the star’s services once Beckham’s contract with MLS expires in November.

The USMNT is in Belgium ahead of their friendly against Georges Leekens squad (Tues, 2:30 PM ET). Here’s the full roster of players to face, among others, Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, and Chelsea teen Romelu Lukaka. One coach isn’t too happy with the new face of the USMNT.

Former US Coach Bob Bradley may have a new home soon.

Michael Bradley’s club side, Chievo, and the rest of Serie A have reached a resolution and will begin the much-anticipated Italian season next weekend.

Grahame L. Jones, in his final column for the LA Times, reflects on soccer in California.

The Houston Dynamo beat 2011 COCACAF Champions League winners Monterrey 3-0 in a very unfriendly friendly.

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News in brief

WED Mar. 23 (PM): MLS Trade, Viviano, Mexico, J-League, and Ocho

Houston Dynamo and the Chicago Fire swapped strikers today in a trade that will send Calen Carr to the Dynamo and Dominic Oduro will head north to Chicago. Oduro originally from Ghana, is coming off one of his best MLS seasons after scoring five goals for the Dynamo last season. The older Carr has yet to have more than three goals in an MLS season. Carr was the 10th pick in the 2006 MLS draft.

Carl Garganese is right to suggest that Italy should start the younger Emiliano Viviano over the legendary Buffon. This season Buffon has struggled with injuries, while Viviano has been impressive in Serie A. Vivano’s club Bologna are currently in 10th place due to the keepers impressive season thus far.

Mexican stars Carlos Vela and Efrain Juarez return to the Mexican National team after their six month ban. Both players will be important to Mexico’s Gold Cup run this summer. The tournament is even more important this year, because the winner will play in the Confederations Cup in Brazil. (more…)