Barnes goal seals win for Dynamo over Galaxy

The Dynamo faced off against two-time MLS Cup foe the LA Galaxy and both teams got off to a quick start with a few early chances. The Dynamo started the game in their familiar 4-4-2 formation with Will Bruin and rookie Mark Sherrod being paired up top together for the first time this season.

Oscar Boniek Garcia was forced to leave the match early in the 23^rd minute after landing a little awkwardly after going for a ball. Hopefully, he didn't want to continue the match so that he wouldn't aggravate what's being reported as (an incredibly vague) right leg injury before his World Cup duty with Honduras.

With Boniek out, Omar Cummings came on and a back and forth style game ensued with both teams countering and creating chances on goal. Although the Dynamo had more than their fair share of chances, they didn't force any really tough saves from LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. On the other side, the most dangerous moment of the half came when Robbie Keane picked out A.J. DeLaGarza who nearly found the net if it weren't for a David Horst "beast" moment as he flicked the ball over the top of the crossbar. The two teams would go into their respective locker rooms locked at 0 after an entertaining first half.

In the 61^st minute things went the Dynamo's way as Dan Gargan made the odd decision to throw the ball into keeper Penedo while marked by Mark Sherrod. Sherrod took advantage of a poor Penedo touch and passed the ball to Giles Barnes who calmly curled a one touch shot into the goal.

Following the goal, things looked up for the Dynamo with Omar Cummings leading the way. The former Colorado Rapids standout made several good runs through the midfield and took a few, perhaps, overly ambitious shots from his weaker foot. Still, he was able to put pressure on the LA defense and even earned a free kick near the top of the box after Kofi Opare handled the ball. Although momentum had swung the Dynamo's direction, as the game wore on the Dynamo had more players back defending which led to more opportunities for the Galaxy. Robbie Keane nearly found an equalizer, but Kofi Sarkodie successfully shielded the ball for Tally Hall to safely grab.

The final whistle blew with the Dynamo coming out on top 1-0 at the comfortable BBVA Compass Stadium thanks to the Giles Barnes strike. This was an important win for the team that is looking to test itself following the defeat to Real Salt Lake. This win moves the team ahead to 17 points overall and, for now, 3^rd place in the Eastern Conference. The Dynamo next face DC United on Wednesday the 21^st at RFK Stadium.

Houston Dynamo: Hall; Sarkodie, Horst, Taylor, Ashe; García (Cummings 23':Ownby 87'), Creavalle, Barnes, Driver; Bruin, Sherrod

LA Galaxy: Penedo; Gargan, Opare, Meyer, DLG; Ishizaki, Juninho, Husidic (Rogers 70'), Keane; Friend, Samuel (Mendiola 66')