Escher’s World: RSL Beat Houston

By: Marc | August 4th, 2007

Ouch. The win streak is over and Houston give up a goal in the final 15 minutes for the first time all season. I remember a few seasons ago when that final 15 stat was true for the Earthquakes and it was a huge part of the reason for their success and when they started giving up goals late they struggled.

This result is what I feared. Everything was so much in favor of Houston on paper that I wondered if they wouldn’t trip up. This game loomed like a giant banana skin. I wasn’t expecting a loss, but I thought maybe a 0-0 draw or maybe 1-1 with Houston giving up a weak or careless goal. I am disappointed but not devastated.

The Dynamo were just too tired and the choppy turf meant neither team got into a rhythm — that was worse for Houston than for RSL as Houston thrives on playing their own high-energy game and they couldn’t do that this time.

I am a little concerned with some of the miscommunication at the back that’s been happening lately. The goal against Morelia in Superliga was one, and this game it happened several times (including the goal, though it wasn’t the only cause of the goal). But hopefully these are just problems that happen because of line-up changes and a non-stop schedule and tired legs and minds. If it develops into a trend, I’ll have cause to worry.

In a way, I’m oddly happy for RSL. They needed this and they’ve had a lot of hard luck this season. Consider it a gift from the Dynamo, RSL! Enjoy the memory while you watch the playoffs on TV. We’ll win the MLS Cup so you can say you beat the champs during the season!

And congrats to Robbie Findley. He struggled to get in all night and finally got through on one chance and finished it very nicely past the best keeper in the league. You’d think such a young player would choke with all the pressure but he was composed and gave his team a deserved win.

Rest up, Men in Orange. You’ve got the Rapids next week. That’s a guaranteed three points. Right?

– Marc