Well, this was a match to quickly forget. The Houston Dynamo continued their recent struggles with a 2-0 loss to the Eastern Conference leading Montreal Impact. The Dynamo gave up two goals in the first 32 minutes of the match and failed to convert any of their own chances.
Houston is now winless in their last five matches, with three of those five being losses.
In the 14th minute, the Impact got on board when Patrick Bernier picked out Felipe with a perfectly placed ball over the Dynamo backline. Felipe calmly controlled the pass and tapped it past Tally Hall for the early lead.
In our conversation with Mount Royal Soccer, Bernier's service was brought up as one of the biggest contributors to Montreal's success this season.
Houston was handed a golden opportunity to equalize the match moments later when Will Bruin was fouled in the box and referee Chris Penso awarded the Dynamo a penalty kick. With Brad Davis out with the national team, Giles Barnes stepped up to the spot for the kick.
Unfortunately, Barnes sent the penalty kick into the stands. Way in the stands.
Houston wasn't totally out of the match on the night, as they pressured Montreal and looked like drawing level could happen before the break. Hall made a number of spectacular saves along the way to finishing the night with eight saves total.
Those hopes of a goal and a draw heading into the break quickly derailed in the 32nd minute. Corey Ashe received a ball near the halfway line and looked like he was attempting to clear the ball back to Hall, but the pass wasn't strong enough.
Marco Di Vaio chased down the loose ball and was able to chip it over Tally Hall for the Impact's second goal of the night. The goal was Di Vaio's 10th of the season, which is tied for the lead in MLS.
The second half came and went with either team finding the back of the net, as Houston could never figure out how to get through Montreal's defense.
The Dynamo (6-5-4) continue to sit in 4th position in the Eastern Conference with 22 points. On Saturday, they will play host to Toronto FC (2-7-5) who are in 9th in the East with 11 points.
After five straight games without a win, let's hope the Dynamo benefit from the comfort at home and get back on the right track.
Match Highlights: