Dynamo v Sporting KC: Two More Reasons to Love Calen Carr

Huzzah! Two home matches against two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference and the Dynamo take the full six points. You could not have asked for a better set of results from the team and in return, optimism is high among Dynamo fans. Thanks to a brace from Calen Carr and a late first half red card shown to Sporting Kansas City's Peterson Joseph, the Dynamo downed the conference leaders 2-1 last night at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Even with Geoff Cameron set to depart, it's hard not to be upbeat right now about this team's prospects. Everyone from the team, to fans to all of us here on the site have been stressing the importance of this week of play. Being two-thirds of the way through with six points is outstanding.

The Dynamo played well last night against a very good SKC team that is one of the best defensive sides in MLS. The Dynamo were able to attack and generate chances throughout the first half and got on the board first thanks to a wonderful but on interplay. After Andre Hainault found Will Bruin at the top of the box with a pass, the Dancing Bear turned and drew multiple SKC defenders towards him as Carr slipped in behind. Bruin's slick pass found Carr and he beat Jimmy Nielsen at the far post.

Sporting equalized in the 41st minute after Hainault had no choice but to take down Teal Bunbury in the box, giving up a penalty. Kei Kamara froze Tally Hall to score the goal. It look to be a disappointing end to what had been a promising half, but things weren't done.

Calen Carr was again involved, receiving a crunching tackle from Peterson Joseph, who slide in to the Dynamo forward from behind, taking out his legs. Fortunately, Carr's feet weren't firmly planted so there was no serious damage. As for Joseph, he was quickly shown a straight red card by match referee Mark Kadlecik.

It took awhile in the second half for Houston to finally break down the Sporting defense, but the winning goal finally came in the 79th minute. Brad Davis sent a cross in to the box that Carr was able to redirect in to the goal off his thigh.

It's a huge win for the Dynamo and the biggest takeaway for me is that the team is finally settling in to the new 4-3-3 formation. Will Bruin took a few games to adjust but he continues to shine this season, having clearly gotten comfortable with his new responsibilities. Calen Carr's return to the starting lineup provided a tremendous boost as well. With Carr playing high on the right wing, Boniek Garcia was able to drop back deeper in to more of a play-maker role in the midfield with Davis. Brian Ching also continues to thrive as the last substitute, against helping to change the match late.

There's still a long way to go, but just like last season we're seeing the Dynamo make transfer window adjustments and being to play their best soccer when it matters. In Dom We Trust people...never forgot it.

The Dynamo are back in action on Saturday against the Montreal Impact.