Tough home draw has Dynamo looking toward future

Another match at BBVA Compass Stadium featuring the Houston Dynamo, another draw is the end result. But the faithful fans that still attend Dynamo fans these days at least saw some goals Sunday night, as the Dynamo finished with a 1-1 scoreline against the San Jose Earthquakes.

The Dynamo got the opening goal just before the end of the first half. Alex received a cleared ball at the top of the box, took his defender 1v1, and beat Earthquakes keeper David Bingham.

In the 59th minute, former Dynamo Chris Wondolowski equalized with volley. For Wondolowski – one of the most prolific scorers in MLS history – the tally was his first career goal against the Dynamo.

Here are three takeaways from the Dynamo's latest exploits.

Dynamo end two streaks

The Dynamo got a major monkey off their back against the Earthquakes. Alex's goal right before the half was ended the Dynamo's futility of goals. The last Dynamo goal before Sunday's was back on July 2 – a streak lasting 315 minutes without a goal.

As for the other streak; the last time the Dynamo conceded a MLS regular season goal at BBVA Compass Stadium was on April 15 – a 4-1 loss to the LA Galaxy. Since then, the Dynamo had played about 550 minutes of shutout soccer – until Wondolowski tied the game up.

The return of the Dom

After calling Houston home for the first eight seasons, Dominic Kinnear returned to the Bay Area to take over the Earthquakes. This was Kinnear's first time coaching opposite his long time protege, Wade Barrett.

"Wade has them organized, they're tough to play against," Kinnear spoke of Barrett. "They're dangerous on set pieces with the players they have swinging some real good balls. So we know it wasn't going to be an easy one."

Kinnear is high on MLS teams continuing to hire young American coaches. He says its for the best for the league and country (perhaps a jab at Owen Coyle or Jurgen Klinnsman).

"So Wade I know has put in the years. He was a wonderful player and a great servant to the club. I think to see him get this chance is a positive. I sincerely wish him good luck and hope he does well."

Speaking of Barrett

The Dynamo seem to be headed toward a youth renaissance. They traded away fan favorite Giles Barnes midway through the Dash game on Saturday night. They received 20 year old Yair Arboleda on loan from Colombian giant Independiente Santa Fe. They also called up homegrown player Christian Lucatero from Rio Grande Valley FC.

After the match, Barrett mentioned two other young players, Erik Torres and Mauro Manotas, saying that neither player has gotten the "minutes up top." Barrett did like the combination play between Cubo and Will Bruin in their 0-0 tie against the Whitecaps, the first time they played in a 4-4-2 formation.

"Erik and Will have really good combination, I think you saw in the last game that they just play off each other very well."

Barrett wants the younger players to push the veterans at practice. He makes his game day rosters based on the players' performance the entire week of practice.

"We have to do everything with best interest of the team in mind," Barrett said after the match. "Guys will be disappointed if they get left out of the lineup, but I'm asking them and expecting them to be behind the guys and show support.

"If you're unhappy with the decision, you fight next week to get back in. I don't pick 2 weeks in advance, I only pick for the next game. So every single thing that happens in training has an effect on who I pick for the weekend."