BC Pangie

Somehow the New England Revolution were able to beat the Houston Dynamo by a score of one - nil, in Houston. This seems amazing, not because Houston is a stand out team - they were, but seem to be lacking this season - but because Houston controlled the ball so much. Houston really owned this game, they dominated all spaces of the pitch with the exception of the two yards in front of New England’s goal. Houston truly deserved to win this game.

The only goal came from Grenada native, Shalrie Joesph who picked up sloppy clearance and blasted home from just outside the eighteen. This was the only goal of the game, and really, New England’s only chance of the game. Houston had some decent chances in the first half, but nothing to convincing. At half-time the New England coach expressed his amazement that they were ahead.

The second half was no different. Houston owned the field. New England had very little possession, seldom stringing more than four passed together before the ball went out, or switched possession. Houston should have drawn level through Ricardo Clark, and probably should have put in another towards the end. The first chance came from some good work around the edge of the box. Houston kept their touches nice and neat which allowed for Clark to work a little one - two with Brian Ching who popped his pass over the defense. Clark looked like he was in the clear with only Revolution ‘keeper, Matt Reis to beat, but it was not to be. Had Clark been more comfortable and taken the shot with his left foot he almost certainly would have scored, however he struck with his right foot which made for Clark’s shot to be off balanced and straight at Reis who did well to smother it.

New man on the pitch, Houston mid-fielder, Corey Ashe, came on as a substitute and looked to be Houston’s hope. He sent numerous balls into the box which Ching should have finished, but simply couldn’t. Ching sent most of his shots well over the bar.

When we think of Houston, we think of Brian Ching, and Dwayne DeRosario. We also think of a good team. This Houston team has been under-performing with out doubt, and it’s under-performance comes from these two players. Neither Ching, nor DeRo have looked like anything this season. These players are sleeping on the pitch. If Houston wants to do anything this season they need to find new Talismen, or those players need to get their heads in the game.

Final Score: New England 1 - o Houston

Attendance: 18,232