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When the final whistle blew at BMO Field in Toronto, one of the few things left on the Dynamo's "to-do" list was done. For the first time in franchise history, Houston had won a game in Canada. Thanks to goals from Calen Carr and Brian Ching, along with two assists from Brad Davis, the Dynamo cruised to a relatively painless 2-0 victory over Toronto FC.
It was the "Left Footed Beckham's" 200th match in MLS for the Dynamo and Davis capped off this special day with his ninth and tenth assist of the season, pulling him in to a tie for the MLS lead with Dwayne De Rosario. It also moved Davis within one assist of 7th place on MLS's all-time assists chart, just behind Cobi Jones. Carr's goal continues his excellent form since returning from injury and once again Boniek Garcia was a midfield pest, making quality runs at the TFC defense and helping to create space for Davis to work in.
Adam Moffat returned to the lineup for the first time since July 7th and didn't look spectacular, but he was still good. With Chris Canetti confirming that the team is in talks to bring Ricardo Clark back, there's going to be some serious potential competition for the final spot in the middle of the 4-3-3. Moffat will have to be a bit more efficient with his possession moving forward.
The defense was solid despite the absence of Jermaine Taylor, who was not on the trip for personal reasons. Andre Hainault and Bobby Boswell dealt well with TFC's speedy attack and the entire back line seemed focused to not have a repeat of the last meeting between the two teams. The clean sheet is the fifth in the last sixth games for the defense and goalkeeper Tally Hall. Hall had an easy day, but made a couple keys saves when called upon.
All in all an efficient and effective road victory against an Eastern Conference foe. The team's fourth win in a row moves the Dynamo to 37 points and temporarily in to 2nd place in the conference, pending the outcome of Sporting KC's match.
My girlfriend slept through most of the match and provided this analysis upon the conclusion:
"Tally Hall is dreamy"
Couldn't have said it better myself. The Dynamo have a week to prepare the first of a home and home series with the New York Red Bulls. The two meetings between the teams on back-to-back weekends could have some major playoff implications.