Getty Images Times have been tough in Houston recently. The Dynamo are just 1-2-3 in their last six MLS games, a stretch that has seen them fall from a sure-thing playoff spot in the Eastern Conference to gamely holding on for fifth. Aye carumba!
But their fortunes in the CONCACAF Champions League are much better. On Thursday night, the Dynamo dispatched FAS with ease, winning 4-0 (highlights here).
Former Derby County Young Player of the Year Giles Barnes was the early hero, scoring from distance. After that, it was the Cam Weaver show as the Reserve League forward snatched a goal and two assists.
“Any games I have a chance to get minutes in I’m happy,” Weaver told MLSSoccer.com. “Finding your form takes game minutes and if you’re just training and not getting game minutes it’s hard to keep your form up. I’m happy to get a goal, couple of assists and to help the team. I think we pretty much accomplished everything we wanted to accomplish for the team.”
Good quote, Cam. Moving on: Success in the Champions League is fun, but maybe not the ticket the Dynamo need right now. They have a playoff fight on their hands, a point clear of the Columbus Crew and one behind D.C. United. The East is tiiiiiiiight up top and any slip up means the Dynamo will miss out on postseason action. That would be a shame; that stadium is so nice. Luckily, Houston plays at the Union and host New England over the next nine days. Can you say six points?
But… if the tired legs prevail — many regulars played big minutes against FAS — our man Dominic Kinnear might look back and sigh. Was making the CCL quarterfinals worth i?
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With PSG willing to match Wayne Rooney’s wages, Manchester United has somebody to bail them out
May 22, 2013, 8:17 PM EDT
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If PSG’s willing to take Rooney’s wages of their hands, Manchester United can justify moving on.
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Crimes and misdemeanors: Congratulations, Bobby Boswell – you’re this week’s winner
May 22, 2013, 7:32 PM EDT
Houston’s defensive leader sees his banned doubled by the Disciplinary Committee.
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Sauerbrunn, Quon, and why its still too early to see NWSL’s influence on Sermanni’s choices
May 22, 2013, 6:47 PM EDT
Tom Sermanni has brought new talent into the national team, but it’s too early to know the extent to which the U.S.’s roster will see new faces.
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José Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo pick up meaningless two-match bans
May 22, 2013, 6:02 PM EDT
Cristiano Ronaldo will serve a two-match ban. José Mourinho will skirt it.
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Michele Beadle and friends take a look at what NYCFC means to the New York sports scene.
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We tend to beat up the Chivas organization for its off-the-wall strategic approaches and front-office instability, but what exactly is wrong with the team on the field?
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Looking at the United States’ roster ahead of their Canada rematch
May 22, 2013, 4:03 PM EDT
Yesterday’s announcement included few surprises ahead of the U.S.’s June 2 match at BMO Field.
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Well, what took them so long to get into the party?
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How Tony Pulis removal at Stoke City may affect U.S. internationals Cameron, Shea and Edu
May 22, 2013, 2:40 PM EDT
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Looks like a mixed bag for the American trio:
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As the towering English forward weighs up his options, should he return to Liverpool, sign for West Ham or go elsewhere?
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Mario Götze to miss Champions League final against future club Bayern
May 22, 2013, 1:40 PM EDT
Reuters
With Dortmund’s main attacker threat out injured, can Dortmund still lift the Champions League trophy?
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AP
Can the Yankees provide a viable option for New York City FC to play in? Of course they can. Maybe.
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They have owners and an employee, but now comes the hardest part for MLS expansion club NYCFC. The challenges ahead are daunting:
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The one accolade no EPL player wants on their soccer resume…
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Claudio Reyna announced as New York City FC Director of Football
May 22, 2013, 11:05 AM EDT
New York City FC announces Reyna as first employee, a good first move, right?
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Reuters
Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Red Bull Arena… which venue could work best as a temporary home for New York City FC?
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The magic of the Cup lives on, as four PDL sides now face trips to MLS teams in the third-round. Is this the stuff dreams are made of?
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Pulis joins long list of EPL managers departing… is English soccer becoming more ruthless?
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Wait a minute … didn’t MLS commissioner Don Garber say there “is no Plan B …” beyond the Queens location?
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Well, phooey! Didn’t Dempsey just go through a summer of transfer instability?
