Frustration Rules the Night as Dynamo Fall to San Jose

Frustration. It's defined the season and it defined the night as the Dynamo fell 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes. Houston were once again the victim of their own defensive breakdowns as their playoff chances all but evaporated with the loss. New designated player signging Giovanni was a force for the Quakes making a great run and cross that led to the first San Jose goal and scoring the second, his first MLS goal.

The Dynamo's lone goal came in stoppage time of the first half after Brian Mullan worked his way down the wing, fighting off multiple tackles and refusing to leave his feet before finding Brad Davis in space. Davis headed the ball in to the far corner past Quakes keeper Jon Busch and time the game for a short time. 

Giovanni scored the game winner in the 63rd minute after picking up a loose ball at the top of the box and easily beating Pat Onstad. It's the kind of defensive lapse that has killed the Dynamo all season and something that will have to be remedied during the 2011 campaign.

The Dynamo had every chance to equalize late after Quakes midfielder Sam Cronin was red carded for a dangerous studs-up tackle on Brian Mullan. Despite having nearly 10 minutes of a man advantage, Houston was simply unable to make the right pass or the right last play that would have salvaged a point.

In addition to the defensive breakdown, the offense continued to struggle with finding the back of the next despite generating multiple good opportunities. It's a troubling trend that has the team and fans alike frustrated. 

Tough night for the Dynamo. More tomorrow including post-game quotes from Dominic Kinnear and Eddie Robinson.