The Men in Orange continued their pattern of performing consistently inconsistent, losing to their in-state rivals at home for the first time ever. Despite being up a man for the last 20 minutes of the game, Dallas defender Ugo Ihemelu scored the game winner, sending the 40 fans from Frisco home ecstatic with a 1-0 win.

A deserved win?
Neither team deserved the three points. Dallas tested Onstad in quick succession in the first half with two powerful shots from distance. Beyond that, their opportunities were limited. The Dynamo squandered two golden chances in the second half. A clever run and pass from Landin set up Davis with an empty net, one touch too many allowed Dallas defender Heath Pearce to get back and clear his attempt off the line.

As the game was drawing to an end, Davis had another golden opportunity from short distance but Dallas defense was able to poke the ball off of Davis’ foot to a thankful Kevin Hartman. In the end, Dallas showed enough grit and strength and just enough class to win the game.

The Houston players and staff will tell you that the performance wasn’t good enough. After looking fantastic against the Wizards the weekend before, the team was unable to build on that performance. Earlier in the season, the team was fantastic against Chivas USA before hitting the road and playing poorly against the Fire. That same Chivas USA team hosts La Naranja this Saturday night.

Chivas hasn’t lost a game since last month’s 3-0 loss at Robertson, which includes a 4-0 walloping of the New England Revolution at Foxboro last Wednesday. In short, this is a different team. Dynamo fans may not want to hear that as they hope to see their team post their first away win this season.

Prediction:
My winning streak came to an end as I backed the Men in Orange to beat Dallas 2-0. Expect a loss at Home Depot Center. The Dynamo haven’t fared well away from Robertson this season. Chivas USA’s results have. Ching’s possible return is countered by the fact that Eddie Robinson is set to miss at least two weeks following a knee injury sustained against Dallas. Let’s hope my prediction leads to a losing streak for myself and not a losing streak for the Orange.

Prediction:
Chivas USA 2, Dynamo 1

Season Prediction Record: 5-2

The Dynamo defeated the Kansas City Wizards 3-0 Saturday night putting them in second place in the Western Conference and continuing their best start in franchise history. Good performances from a number of Dynamo midfielders and forwards and a first half red card on Kansas City’s Davy Arnaud made the job relatively easy as the Dynamo dominated their opponent for the second time in as many home games.

This past weekend Coach Kinnear reverted to his more traditional formation giving Landin the start at forward and Mullan his familiar midfield role. With Corey Ashe starting on the left in order to allow Brad Davis to replace the injured Geoff Cameron in the middle, the new personnel dominated virtually from the opening whistle. Kansas City had only a handful of half chances all game.

The tandem between the two forwards, Oduro and Landin, worked effectively as Landin played his role as the holdup forward using his strength and technique to retain possession and release other players into the attack, while Oduro used his amazing pace and some good technique at times to pressure the KC defenders. Meanwhile Mullan had an absolute field day attacking the KC’s defense on the left side. He was constantly toeing the offside line and gave the Dynamo attack width that it hasn’t seen for quite some time.

In the 24th minute, the pressure paid off. An outlet ball from Corey Ashe followed by a deft ball from Landin sent Oduro on his way as he once again used his pace to put the Wizard defense on his heels. With Landin following the play, Oduro slotted the ball to Landin who managed to chip goalie Jimmy Nielsen as he rushed out to close the angle.

The goal was Landin’s second for the Dynamo and oddly enough, both have come against Kansas City. As the better team through the first 30 minutes, the Men in Orange’s job was nonetheless made easier when native Texan Arnaud was sent off with a straight red in the 33rd minute. The questionable card came when Arnaud made contact with Onstad after the goalkeeper had a hand on a loose ball.

Wave after wave of Dynamo attacks would eventually lead to goals. When Landin was able to gain possession at the midfield stripe after a Nielsen goal kick and quickly pick out Mullan in stride on the right. With the Wizards’ defense giving him space, Mullan took it before finishing far post from the edge of the penalty box. That goal would effectively end the game.

Landin, Oduro and Mullan all had great opportunities to add a third but none of them were able to. Instead, it was second half substitute Sammy Appiah who would add the icing on the cake. Oduro played a perfect ball cross field to Appiah who was making the run at the far post. Appiah hit it first time off the inside of the post scoring his first goal in his first MLS appearance.

The victory came at an ideal time as the game marked the beginning of four games in the next 13 days and allowed the team to put the poor performance against Chicago behind them. Next the Dynamo will play in-state rival FC Dallas on Wednesday at Robertson Stadium.