Houston Dynamo vs Toronto FC Final Score: Houston spoils Toronto's stadium opening with 2-1 victory

The Dynamo kicked things off in Canada with some big changes to the lineup. Captain Brad Davis was out of the lineup due to a hamstring strain. Also, out of the lineup was Kofi Sarkodie who was on the bench and Raul Rodriguez started on the right in his place. This made room for David Horst to start in the middle of the defense.

The Dynamo controlled posession during the first half of the match. Both teams had chances and repeated corner kicks, but neither team was able to put them into the back of the net. Jozy Altidore got the better of Jermaine Taylor on several plays but Altidore was unable to take advantage of it.

It looked like the first half may finish without a goal, but the Dynamo found some goal scoring magic at the end of the half. A penalty was awarded to Houston after DaMarcus Beasley was tackled by Michael Bradley. Boniek Garcia took the penalty kick, but Chris Konopka was able to stop it. Not giving up on the play Boniek ran forward and put in the rebound to give Houston the 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Giles Barnes caught TFC on the counter-attack. As he got near the box he fell down but had enough time to pass the ball to Will Bruin. The Dancing Bear finished the ball perfectly to give the Dynamo a 2-0 lead in the 53rd minute.

In the 64th minutes Barnes tried from a goal of his own then a long range shot with the outside of his foot. His shot was just off as the ball smashed into the cross bar.

However, Toronto wasn't content without a goal. Jermaine Taylor got caught ball watch as Osorio sent a cross to Altidore who headed the ball right past Tyler Deric and into the back of the net. Leaving the Dynamo with twelve minutes in regulation to hold on to the lead.

In what was almost goalkeeper on goalkeeper crime Konopka came all the way forward for a Toronto corner kick in stoppage time. Unmarked, the goalkeeper got a head on the ball. Luckily for the Dynamo it ended up in the hands of their goalkeeper, Tyler Deric. It was the best chance of stoppage time for the Reds as the Dynamo held on to win 2-1.

While Houston wasn't without its issues this game-- defense getting pulled apart, getting caught ball watching -- it was a much better performance from the team. The team had been lacking fluidity and connection, but they regained it this week. Giles Barnes had a brilliant game against TFC as he and Bruin synced up on the field.

With three points heading back to Houston the team will look to add three more at home on Saturday against the Portland Timbers.

Lineups

Houston Dynamo: Deric, Rodriguez, Horst, Taylor, Beasley, Boniek (83' Steinberger), Clark (82' Miranda), Garrido, Lopez (74' Lovejoy), Barnes, Bruin

Toronto FC: Konopka, Morrow, Hagglund, Perquis (90' Moore), Morgan, Jackson (71' Warner), Cheyrou, Bradley, Findley (58' Osorio), Giovinco, Altidore.