2007 SuperLiga - Houston's season summed up by pks
Pachuca 2 (4)-(3) 2 Houston Dynamo
What a match. The Dynamo came out just the way they need, but going down a man to Pachuca in the first quarter hour is not the best strategy. Still, Houston found ways of pressuring on attacks and causing pain for Pachuca with their crosses, but it must be pointed out that unmarked players scored both of Pachuca’s goals.
Pachuca does many things well but the thing they do best is waiting. They are one of the best teams at forcing defenses out of position in order to sneak in a player or two. Even with a full 11 on the pitch, it is difficult to beat them, however done a man is near impossible. Yet, thanks to an amazing cross by Eddie Robison to Richard Mulrooney, the Dynamo was able to send it to overtime and then kicks.
Few things, for me at least, sum up Houston's season to date more then the penalty kicks. Tied 3-3, Brian Ching steps up for his shot, much the way he did in Dallas for last year's MLS Cup, but unlike 2006, Ching sent this one off the bar. Close but not good enough.
But wait, they're not dead yet, Pat Onstad came up with a huge save to keep the game level, meaning Joseph Ngwenya has a chance to give his team glory but instead of driving it at net, he tried to get cute with it and chip it in. Easy save by Miguel Calero. And sure enough, one of Mexico's best, Rafael Marquez Lugo finishes the team off.
Houston had their chances but they failed to make anything of them. They were not beat tonight as much as they beat themselves. Seems to be the script they are writing for the season.
On the positive side, Brian Mullan looked great last night as did Wade Barrett. Heck, even De Rosario looked better then he has in MLS play, but was still less then stellar. Also, 21,712 people showed up for a match starting at 9pm on a Tuesday night (and it was still 96 degrees). Great showing by the Houston faithful, I just hope a number of them return this Sunday for their big league match with FC Dallas.
What a match. The Dynamo came out just the way they need, but going down a man to Pachuca in the first quarter hour is not the best strategy. Still, Houston found ways of pressuring on attacks and causing pain for Pachuca with their crosses, but it must be pointed out that unmarked players scored both of Pachuca’s goals.
Pachuca does many things well but the thing they do best is waiting. They are one of the best teams at forcing defenses out of position in order to sneak in a player or two. Even with a full 11 on the pitch, it is difficult to beat them, however done a man is near impossible. Yet, thanks to an amazing cross by Eddie Robison to Richard Mulrooney, the Dynamo was able to send it to overtime and then kicks.
Few things, for me at least, sum up Houston's season to date more then the penalty kicks. Tied 3-3, Brian Ching steps up for his shot, much the way he did in Dallas for last year's MLS Cup, but unlike 2006, Ching sent this one off the bar. Close but not good enough.
But wait, they're not dead yet, Pat Onstad came up with a huge save to keep the game level, meaning Joseph Ngwenya has a chance to give his team glory but instead of driving it at net, he tried to get cute with it and chip it in. Easy save by Miguel Calero. And sure enough, one of Mexico's best, Rafael Marquez Lugo finishes the team off.
Houston had their chances but they failed to make anything of them. They were not beat tonight as much as they beat themselves. Seems to be the script they are writing for the season.
On the positive side, Brian Mullan looked great last night as did Wade Barrett. Heck, even De Rosario looked better then he has in MLS play, but was still less then stellar. Also, 21,712 people showed up for a match starting at 9pm on a Tuesday night (and it was still 96 degrees). Great showing by the Houston faithful, I just hope a number of them return this Sunday for their big league match with FC Dallas.
Labels: 2007 SuperLiga, Houston Dynamo, MLS, Pachuca CF
posted by Mike H at 9:08 AM
1 Comments:
Sports Illustrated World Club Power Rankings have Pachuca as the #9 team in the world. Good work Houston on holding them off.
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