A Wild 24 Hours Puts the Dynamo in the Playoffs

by Zach Woosley on Oct 16, 2011 12:46 PM CDT in Match Reports

First things first, on Friday night in Portland the Dynamo had to take care of business and get three points against the Portland Timbers...and they did. It was a bit physical, borderline dirty even*, but a clever header deflection by Andre Hainault and a 40-yard wonder strike from Danny Cruz was enough to give Houston a 2-0 victory and the first piece of the final playoff spot puzzle.

The rest of the pieces fell in to place the next evening in dramatic fashion. A draw or loss by DC United would punch the Dynamo's playoff ticket and if you happened to be watching United's match against the Chicago Fire, you saw a hell of a show. After a Dwayne De Rosario PK but United up 1-0 in the 90th minute, the Fire scored twice in stoppage time to not only steal the three point, but guarantee Houston will be a part of the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs.

If you missed it, enjoy the pertinent highlights!

After the tumult and stress of the past two seasons, getting back in the playoffs is a much needed relief for not only the team but fans as well. More than anything, it's a nice positive way to end the season and the Robertson Stadium era. Next year, no matter what happens in the playoffs, the Dynamo will open their new stadium on the back of their fifth playoff trip in six seasons in Houston.

*I'll discuss the Cruz/Chabala collision tomorrow in Monday Morning Centre Back

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'Splain please Roossee

That second Chicago goal to me looks so far offsides so as not even to be funny. Someone please tell me how that is not offsides. I am stunned. Wow.

"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie

by Martek on Oct 16, 2011 1:39 PM CDT reply actions

On which pass?

The first pass? or the cross in? On the first one he was clearly onside (watch the replay and pause it when the pass is made.) And on the cross, Chaves, even if he was ahead of the D.C. player, was onside because he was behind the ball. If Chaves was behind the D.C. player then he would still be onside.

by Dynamaniac on Oct 16, 2011 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions