This year the All-Star Game will be in Houston, and the Texian Army supporters group is organizing a tailgate at Reliant Stadium Blue Lot 22 where all fans can come out and hang out with other soccer fans. Whether you are a Dynamo/MLS fan, a fan of Man Utd, or are just looking to have some fun before the game, you're welcome to come enjoy the festivities.

Due to ridiculous exclusive beverage agreements at Reliant Stadium, the Texian Army All-Star Game Tailgate will be BYOB. The Texian Army will provide the tailgating area, entertainment, and tents for shade. There will be music, games, and likely a few pickup soccer games going on in the parking lot. In addition our tailgate will be near a soccer festival that will have restroom facilities.

So come out and have a great time before the game! Parking lots open at 3:00 pm, and parking in Blue Lots is $20. There is a light rail option that can be taken from many downtown locations as well. Hope to see you there!

WHAT: Texian Army All-Star Game Tailgate
WHERE: Blue Lot 22 (click for map)
WHEN: Wednesday, July 28 starting at 3:00 pm
COST: $0 (donations to help with our tailgate costs are greatly appreciated)
FACEBOOK: Click here for the Facebook Event for this tailgate
TWITTER: Follow @TexianArmy on Twitter

Houston’s defenders weren’t exactly flawless - some short back passes to Pat Onstad made for some nervy moments - the defense was largely effective most of the night. In fact, the clean sheet was the team’s first since May 22nd against DC United. Not only does that point to the troubles the backline has had, but also to the improvement that was made on the defensive side of the ball. Keeping the clean sheet was indicative of the improvement, the organization and positioning throughout most of the game gave fans hope that more strong defensive outings are to come.

Lovel Palmer and Richard Mulrooney were tasked with creating opportunities from the center of midfield. Both are great at stopping attacks as defensive mids, but still lack some of the requisite qualities to create a consistent offense.

Wide midfielders Danny Cruz and Corey Ashe provided plenty of pace and work rate, but neither seemed to consistently threaten the Columbus. That’s not to say that the midfield didn’t create chances for their team.

Starting forwards Brian Ching and Cam Weaver could have snared a goal for the home side.

In the first half, Weaver was left alone in the box but could only knock his free header harmlessly over the crossbar. In the second half the Dynamo had another close call in the 80th minute when he managed to break the offside trap, but his far post shot missed by inches.

Weaver’s partner at forward missed an even better chance. When left back Gino Padula missed his interception of Ching’s cross field pass to Cruz, the entire left side of the Columbus defense was exposed and Cruz took advantage. After reaching the end line, the second-year pro put in a cross that appeared to evade every Dynamo player until Ching popped up unmarked two yards from goal without a Crew player in sight. The angle was somewhat tight and the ball fell to the Hawaiian’s weaker left foot – his miss was an absolute sitter and one he should have buried.

On to SuperLiga
The game against Columbus will be the last league game for a couple weeks as the club now focuses on on SuperLiga. Their first group match comes against old rivals Pachuca this Thursday night; followed by Chivas USA on Sunday, July 18; and Puebla next Wednesday, July 21. Each match will be held at Robertson Stadium with 7 p.m. start times.