Houston Dynamo season 2007

Infobox Football club season
club = Houston Dynamo
season = 2007
league = Major League Soccer
league result = 2^nd, West (15-8-7)
manager = Dominic Kinnear
chairman = Philip Anschutz
cup1 = MLS Cup | cup1 result = W Conference Semifinal
W Western Conference
W MLS Cup 2007
cup2 = U.S. Open Cup | cup2 result = Third Round
cup3 = CONCACAF Champions' Cup | cup3 result = Semifinals
cup4 = SuperLiga | cup4 result = Semifinals
cup5 = Carolina Challenge Cup | cup5 result = Winners
league topscorer = Brian Ching (7)
Joseph Ngwenya (7)
prevseason = 2006
nextseason = 2008The 2007 Houston Dynamo season is the second season of the Houston club franchise. The Houston Dynamo were the defending champions from the previous season and prevailed to win back-to-back MLS Cups as they defeated the New England Revolution for the second year in a row in the MLS Cup final.

Major Events

*On July 15 2007, Houston Dynamo broke the league shutout record of 681 minutes, a record previously set by the Kansas City Wizards in 2000. Their streak ended on July 22 2007 after 726 minutes.
*This is the first year that MLS teams were allowed to have advertising on the front of their jerseys. The Dynamo reached a four-year sponsorship deal with Houston based retail electricity provider, Amigo Energy, worth US$7.5M,cite news
last = Barr
first = Greg
coauthors =
title = Dynamo sports soccer sombrero as Amigo Energy sponsors team
work =
pages =
language =
publisher = Houston Business Journal
date = 2007-08-24
url = http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2007/08/27/story6.html?jst=s_cn_hl
accessdate = ] making it the largest sponsor in team history.cite press release
title = Dynamo, Amigo Energy announce historic business partnership
publisher = Major League Soccer
date = 2007-08-15
url = http://www.mlsnet.com//news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070815&content_id=111551&vkey=pr_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200
accessdate = 2007-10-21 ] Amigo Energy became the official jersey sponsor. Houston were the fifth league team to sign jersey sponsors, after Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA, Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC.

Offseason

The Dynamo began the 2007 season early as they were part of the 2007 CONCACAF Champions Cup tournament, having qualified by winning the 2006 MLS Cup. After eliminating Puntarenas FC of Costa Rica in a dramatic quarterfinal win, the Dynamo lost the 2007 CONCACAF Champions' Cup semifinal to CF Pachuca on 5-4 aggregate after extra time.

2006 Championship Squad

Changes for the 2007 MLS Season

In
* Corey Ashe "Signed as draft pick"
* Eric Ebert "Signed as draft pick"
* Nick Hatzke "Signed as draft pick"
* John Michael Hayden "Signed as draft pick"
* Jordan James "Signed from Cincinnati Kings of the USL-2"
* Richard Mulrooney "Traded from Toronto FC"
* Mike Sambursky "Signed as draft pick"
* Erik Ustruck "Signed as draft pick"
* Joseph Ngwenya "Traded from Columbus Crew"
* Scott Nelson "Signed as draft pick'
* Nate Jaqua "Traded from LA Galaxy"

Out
* Chris Aloisi "Released by team"
* Kevin Goldthwaite "Traded to Toronto FC"
* Aaron Lanes "Released by team"
* Martin Hutton "Released by team"
* Julian Nash "Released by team"
* Marcus Storey "Released by team"
* Adrian Serioux "Drafted by Toronto FC and subsequently traded to FC Dallas"
* Alejandro Moreno "Traded to Columbus Crew"
* Kelly Gray "Traded to LA Galaxy"
* Mike Sambursky "Released by team"

2007 MLS SuperDraft

Game Winning Goals

*Brian Ching (2)
*Stuart Holden (2)
*Joseph Ngwenya (2)
*Dwayne De Rosario (1)
*Patrick Ianni (1)
*Brian Mullan (1)

Game Winning Assists

*Ricardo Clark (3)
*Stuart Holden (2)
*Corey Ashe (1)
*Wade Barrett (1)
*Brad Davis (1)
*Richard Mulrooney (1)
*Kelly Gray (1)

Penalty Kicks Made / Attempted

*Brad Davis (1/1)
*Dwayne De Rosario (0/1)

Western Conference Standings

x = Clinched playoff berth
y = Clinched home field for Conf. Champ.

Last Updated 2007-10-21

CONCACAF Champions' Cup

As the 2006 MLS Cup Champions, the Dynamo qualified to compete in the 2007 CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

Quarterfinals

footballbox
date = 21 February 2007
13:35 CT
team1 = flagicon|Costa Rica Puntarenas F.C.
score = 1–0 |report=
team2 = flagicon|United States Houston Dynamo
goals1 = Kurt Bernard 92'+

goals2 = Eddie Robinson s/o 71'

stadium = Estadio Lito Pérez
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Attendance:
Referee: German Arredondo (MEX)footballbox
date = 1 March 2007
20:05 CT
team1 = flagicon|United States Houston Dynamo
score = 2–0 |report=
team2 = flagicon|Costa Rica Puntarenas F.C.
goals1 = Paul Dalglish 27'
Kelly Gray 74'
goals2 =
stadium = Aggie Soccer Stadium
College Station, Texas, USA
Attendance: 4,286
Referee: Benito Archundia (MEX)"Houston Dynamo advance 2-1 on aggregate.----

emifinals

footballbox
date = 15 March 2007
19:30 CT
team1 = flagicon|United States Houston Dynamo
score = 2–0|report= [http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20070315&content_id=85786&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp Report]
team2 = flagicon|Mexico Pachuca
goals1 = Brian Ching 57'
Chris Wondolowski 84'
goals2 =
stadium = Robertson Stadium
Houston, Texas, USA
Attendance: 13,007 Referee: Neal Brizan (T&T)footballbox
date = 5 April 2007
18:35 CT
team1 = flagicon|Mexico Pachuca
score = 5–2 (aet)|report= [http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070406&content_id=87497&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200 Report]
team2 = flagicon|United States Houston Dynamo
goals1 = Gabriel Caballero 4', 86'
Christian Giménez 15' (pen), 58' (pen), 115'
goals2 = Brian Mullan 53'
Brian Ching 79'
stadium = Estadio Hidalgo
Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico
Attendance: 30,000
Referee: Mauricio Navarro (CAN)"The first leg match scheduled for March 14, 2007 was postponed due to a weather-induced power outage."

"Pachuca advances 5-4 on aggregate after added extra time."

Regular season

Game 1: vs. LA Galaxy

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Galaxy
R1 = 0
R2 = 0
H1 = 0
H2 = 0"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

Houston Dynamo began the defense of their 2006 MLS Cup title with a familiar result, surviving going a man down late in the game to record a scoreless draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy at Robertson Stadium. [Citation
title = Champs held to draw by L.A. Galaxy
date = April 8, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070408&content_id=88014&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200] Dynamo celebrated their championship before the game, raising the banner commemorating last season's triumph, but both both goalkeepers came up solid when tested, especially in the first half. A year ago, Dynamo tied Chivas USA with the most ties in MLS, 13.

Game 2: vs. Chivas USA

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Chivas USA
R1 = 0
R2 = 0
H1 = 0
H2 = 1"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

In a rematch of last season's Western Conference Semifinals, Brian Ching scored Houston Dynamo's first goal of the season and goalkeeper Pat Onstad had five saves to lead the defending MLS Cup champions to a 1-0 win against Chivas. Houston finally got its first goal of the season on a header by Ching in the 64th minute. Brad Davis knocked a free kick into the center of the box where an unmarked Ching headed it past Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan. [Citation
title = Dynamo edge Chivas on Ching goal
date = April 14, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070414&content_id=88871&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

The night began with Dynamo receiving their championship rings from a season ago, where the road to the MLS Cup victory started with a victory against Chivas, a 2-1 loss in California followed by a 2-0 victory in Houston to claim the series on aggregate goals.

Game 3: at Red Bull New York

Linescore Soccer
Home = Red Bulls
Road = Dynamo
R1 = 0
R2 = 0
H1 = 0
H2 = 1"at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ"

The early-season scoring woes of the defending MLS Cup champions continued at Giants Stadium as Houston Dynamo were unable to solve the 10-man New York Red Bulls, losing to a brilliant second-half goal from teenage star Jozy Altidore. [Citation
title = Dynamo downed by 10-man Red Bulls
date = April 21, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070421&content_id=89852&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

New York's Clint Mathis might have been Dynamo's MVP in the first half - missing a penalty kick in the 11th minute and getting sent off in the 36th for a studs-up challenge on Houston defender Ryan Cochrane.

New York was clearly the better team during the opening 45 minutes, with Red Bulls captain Claudio Reyna - making his home debut after sitting out last week with a deep thigh bruise - controlling play and repeatedly spraying dangerous balls out to wingers Dave van den Bergh and Dane Richards from his central midfield spot.

Game 4: vs. Chicago Fire

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Fire
R1 = 0
R2 = 1
H1 = 0
H2 = 0"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

The Chicago Fire continued their hot start to the 2007 season, defeating defending MLS Cup champions Houston Dynamo 1-0 on the road at Robertson Stadium. [Citation
title = Dynamo stumble at home vs. Fire
date = April 29, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070429&content_id=91172&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200] The game's lone goal came from Chris Rolfe in the 60th minute, as the Fire remained unbeaten on the year, while Houston lost for the second time in four games.

A quiet match burst into life after the halftime break, but Rolfe's goal on the hour mark was the only shot to find the back of the net. Taking a pass from Gonzalo Segares on the right side of the area, Rolfe skipped into the box and faked a shot, which caused a sliding Wade Barrett to miss. Having moved more to the center, Rolfe hit a left-footed shot to the left of a diving Pat Onstad.

Game 5: at Colorado Rapids

Linescore Soccer
Home = Rapids
Road = Dynamo
R1 = 0
R2 = 3
H1 = 1
H2 = 0"at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO"

Houston Dynamo broke out of their early-season scoring slump, spotting the Colorado Rapids an early goal before exploding for three goals in the final 35 minutes for a 3-1 victory Saturday night, handing the Rapids their first-ever loss at their new Dick's Sporting Goods Park.Roberto Brown had given Colorado the lead after just five minutes, but Brian Ching brought Dynamo level then Dwayne De Rosario scored twice within a five-minute span to secure the victory. [Citation
title = Offense explodes as Dynamo win
date = May 5, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070506&content_id=92180&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Both teams tried to seize the early momentum from the outset. The Rapids were hoping to build on their 2-0 blanking of Real Salt Lake last week with an important home victory, and Dynamo needed to snap a streak of two consecutive games in which they were shut out.

Game 6: at Toronto FC

Linescore Soccer
Home = Toronto
Road = Dynamo
R1 = 0
R2 = 0
H1 = 1
H2 = 0"at BMO Field, Toronto, ON"

Andy Welsh's first career MLS goal provided the rainbow on a wet night at BMO Field as Toronto FC notched a 1-0 win against defending MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo. After a quiet start to the game, the TFC offense broke through in the 26th minute. Ronnie O'Brien curled a direct free kick into the Houston goal area, where it was headed in by Welsh. [Citation
title = Dynamo tripped up in Toronto
date = May 16, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070516&content_id=93828&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

The goal seemed to stimulate the Houston offense, who held the ball in Toronto's end for the majority of the rest of the half. While they won the possession battle, Dynamo were frustrated by the Toronto defenders and could only manage one shot on goal.

Game 7: vs. New England Revolution

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Revolution
R1 = 1
R2 = 0
H1 = 0
H2 = 0"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

Another match, another disappointing loss for the defending MLS champions. Last November, Dynamo clinched MLS Cup in their first season with a victory on penalty kicks against New England at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. But the Revolution spoiled the fun on Saturday with the first regulation win in the all-time series between the teams.

Shalrie Joseph scored the lone goal in the ninth minute - the Revolution's only official shot on goal in the match - sending Dynamo to their fourth loss in seven matches. [Citation
title = Struggles continue with loss to Revs
date = May 19, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070519&content_id=94362&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Game 8: at D.C. United

Linescore Soccer
Home = United
Road = Dynamo
R1 = 0
R2 = 1
H1 = 2
H2 = 0"at RFK Stadium, Washington D.C."

Houston Dynamo went behind on a pair of first-half goals and clawed their way back to cut the lead, but couldn't capitalize on a number of opportunities and lost a frustrating fifth game of the year by just a single goal, falling 2-1 to D.C. United at RFK Stadium.
Christian Gomez and Ben Olsen staked United to a lead in the first half, and while Dwayne De Rosario hit the back of the net for Dynamo in the second half, it wasn't enough to keep the defending MLS Cup champion from dropping a third game in a row. [Citation
title = D.C. United 'two' tough for Dynamo
date = May 26, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070526&content_id=95461&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Game 9: vs. FC Dallas

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = FC Dallas
R1 = 1
R2 = 0
H1 = 0
H2 = 2"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

After falling behind in the first half, Houston Dynamo came from behind with two second-half goals -- and survived playing the final quarter hour a man down -- ending a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 win against intrastate rivals FC Dallas at Robertson Stadium.FC Dallas took the lead in the 31st minute with a goal by Abe Thompson, but Ricardo Clark pulled Dynamo level six minutes into the second half. Joseph Ngwenya then hit for the eventual game-winner midway through the half, to continue Dynamo's dominance in the battle for "El Capitan." [Citation
title = Power surge: Dynamo halt slide
date = June 3, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070603&content_id=96802&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200] Dynamo have now won four of the six all-time meetings in all competitions.

Game 10: vs. Colorado Rapids

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Rapids
R1 = 1
R2 = 0
H1 = 1
H2 = 1"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

Houston Dynamo finally put together back-to-back wins this season, getting a goal from Stuart Holden midway through the second half to break a 1-1 tie and holding on for a 2-1 victory against the Colorado Rapids on MLS Primetime Thursday at Robertson Stadium.The teams had traded goals within the opening 12 minutes before Holden scored mere seconds after coming on as a substitute. With the victory, Dynamo closed to within two points of the second-place Rapids in the Western Conference. [Citation
title = Dynamo claim second straight win
date = June 8, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070608&content_id=97685&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Game 11: at Columbus Crew

Linescore Soccer
Home = Crew
Road = Dynamo
R1 = 2
R2 = 0
H1 = 1
H2 = 0"at Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH"

Houston Dynamo continued their hot streak at Crew Stadium, defeating the Columbus Crew 2-1. The defending MLS Cup champions have now won three in a row after losing five of their six previous matches while extending the Crew's winless streak to six games.Recent Dynamo acquisition Joseph Ngwenya continued his scoring streak, notching his third goal in as many games -- this time against the team that traded him away only weeks earlier. Ngwenya and Crew forward Alejandro Moreno both got their first chances Sunday to face their old teams since the players were traded for each other a month ago, and both would prove to be pivotal players in the match. They traded goals three minutes apart midway through the first half before a Chad Marshall own goal proved to be the game-winner, the third goal in a seven-minute stretch. [Citation
title = Runs extended as Dynamo top Crew
date = June 10, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070610&content_id=98199&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Game 12: vs. Chivas USA

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Chivas USA
R1 = 0
R2 = 0
H1 = 1
H2 = 3"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

Brad Davis notched his first career hat trick in leading Houston Dynamo past Chivas USA 4-0 at Robertson Stadium. [Citation
title = Davis hat trick propels Dynamo
date = June 21, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070621&content_id=100566&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200] The defending MLS Cup champions continued to stay hot in the month of June, extending their winning streak to a season-high four games, while quieting Chivas, who had entered the rematch of last season's Western Conference semifinal as winners of three in a row and hadn't lost since May 5 against D.C. United, a span of five games.

Game 13: at Kansas City Wizards

Linescore Soccer
Home = Wizards
Road = Dynamo
R1 = 0
R2 = 1
H1 = 0
H2 = 0"at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO"

Houston Dynamo defender Patrick Ianni picked a great time for his first MLS career goal. He emphatically headed home a corner from midfielder Stuart Holden in the 81st minute, lifting Dynamo to a 1-0 victory Sunday afternoon against the Kansas City Wizards at Arrowhead Stadium. [Citation
title = Dynamo surge on with win over K.C.
date = June 24, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070624&content_id=101119&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200] It's the fifth consecutive win for Dynamo, while the Wizards went a third game in a row without a win.It seemed appropriate that Ianni would score in a match marked by defensive lockdowns. Ianni's header was strong and quick off a perfect cross from the corner flag.

Game 14: at FC Dallas

Linescore Soccer
Home = FC Dallas
Road = Dynamo
R1 = 0
R2 = 0
H1 = 0
H2 = 0"at Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, TX"

Houston Dynamo were unable to break through a patchwork FC Dallas back line and FCD were unable to solve backup Dynamo goalkeeper Zach Wells as the two Texas sides played to a goalless draw at Pizza Hut Park. [Citation
title = Defenses sturdy in Dynamo, FCD tie
date = June 30, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070630&content_id=102505&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200] In pregame warmups, the reigning MLS Cup champs got some bad news when starting goalkeeper Pat Onstad twisted his back and had to leave the field. His status will be evaluated further once the team returns to Houston. Wells, who took Onstad's spot in the lineup while he was playing for Canada at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, replaced him in the nets. Wells was 2-0-0 for Houston during Onstad's absence earlier in the month.

Game 15: vs. Red Bull New York

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Red Bulls
R1 = 0
R2 = 0
H1 = 2
H2 = 2"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

Houston Dynamo stayed the hottest team in MLS as the defending MLS Cup champions extended their unbeaten streak to seven games with a convincing 4-0 win against the New York Red Bulls at Robertson Stadium.
Joseph Ngwenya scored two goals, and Stuart Holden added a goal and two assists, while Brian Ching netted his fourth goal of the season in extending the Red Bulls winless streak to four consecutive games. [Citation
title = Dynamo romp to win over Red Bulls
date = July 5, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070705&content_id=103685&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Game 16: vs. D.C. United

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = United
R1 = 0
R2 = 0
H1 = 1
H2 = 0"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

Brian Ching redirected a ball into the net in the 33rd minute, and Houston Dynamo held on from there as the they claimed a 1-0 victory against D.C. United at Robertson Stadium.In a battle of the two hottest teams in the MLS, Dynamo extended their unbeaten streak to eight, while D.C. United suffered their first loss in three matches and only their second defeat in 11 games. [Citation
title = Dynamo roll on with shutout of United
date = July 8, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070708&content_id=104247&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

The shutout was also the fifth in a row for Dynamo, who have now not allowed a goal in 515 minutes, the third-longest shutout streak in MLS history.

Game 17: at Chicago Fire

Linescore Soccer
Home = Fire
Road = Dynamo
H1 = 0
H2 = 0
R1 = 1
R2 = 3"at Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL"

Houston Dynamo continued to use MLS Primetime Thursday as their own personal showcase, soundly defeating the Chicago Fire 4-0 at Toyota Park.Dynamo got a first-half goal from Stuart Holden, then tallies four minutes apart from Nate Jaqua and Joseph Ngwenya in the second half. Chris Wondolowski then tucked away the fourth in the 90th minute. [Citation
title = Primetime stars: Dynamo win again
date = July 12, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070712&content_id=105144&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

With the victory, the Western Conference co-leaders have now gone nine consecutive games without a loss. They also extended their shutout streak to 605 minutes, the second longest in MLS history, and are within another shutout of setting the league record.

Game 18: vs. Toronto FC

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Toronto
H1 = 0
H2 = 0
R1 = 0
R2 = 0"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

Houston Dynamo kept their unbeaten and shutout streaks going, but a visiting 10-man Toronto FC kept their unbeaten streak alive as well as the two teams played to a record-setting scoreless tie Sunday night at Robertson Stadium.

Dynamo extended their winless streak to 10 games, and they set a new MLS shutout record, surpassing the old record of 681 minutes set by Kansas City in 2000. Dynamo now haven't allowed a goal in 695 minutes. [Citation
title = Dynamo set league mark in draw
date = July 15, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070715&content_id=105855&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200] Toronto played the entire second half a man down, but they were able to extend their unbeaten streak to four games despite being outshot 16-4 by the Orange.

Game 19: at New England Revolution

Linescore Soccer
Home = Revolution
Road = Dynamo
H1 = 1
H2 = 2
R1 = 1
R2 = 2"at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA"

After not conceding a goal in league play since June 10, Houston Dynamo fell back into the habit quickly at Gillette Stadium, as the New England Revolution and Houston finished all square at 3-3 after a pulsating contest of the two conference leaders. [Citation
title = Dynamo net three in see-saw draw
date = July 22, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070722&content_id=107200&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Pat Noonan breached the Dynamo's defense for the first time in 726 minutes when he chipped Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad to give New England the lead in the 32nd minute. But the second stanza saw five goals in a whirlwind half of action appropriate for the two conference leaders.

Game 20: at Real Salt Lake

Linescore Soccer
Home = RSL
Road = Dynamo
H1 = 0
H2 = 1
R1 = 0
R2 = 0"at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT"

Houston Dynamo's unbeaten streak was halted at 11 games as they fell to Real Salt Lake on Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The only goal came in the 84th minute after Robbie Findley took advantage of a rare defensive misplay.

Playing their fifth game in two weeks after finishing SuperLiga group play, Dynamo's streak was brought to end by RSL's second win of the season. [Citation
title = Late goal stuns Dynamo
date = August 5, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070805&content_id=109841&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Game 21: at Colorado Rapids

Linescore Soccer
Home = Rapids
Road = Dynamo
H1 = 0
H2 = 1
R1 = 0
R2 = 0"at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO"

The Colorado Rapids finally put an end to their 10-game winless streak, getting a goal through fortunate circumstances and surviving a very tense final 13 minutes, hanging on to defeat Houston Dynamo 1-0 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. [Citation
title = Dynamo drop second straight game
date = August 11, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070811&content_id=110921&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

The game's only goal was an own goal, scored when Dwayne De Rosario headed a corner kick past his own goalkeeper in the 60th minute. The Rapids ended the game a man down after Ugo Ihemelu was sent off in the 77th minute, but Colorado held on for their first win since May 26 while handing Houston a second successive defeat after Dynamo had an 11-game league unbeaten streak.

Game 22: vs. FC Dallas

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = FC Dallas
H1 = 1
H2 = 0
R1 = 0
R2 = 0"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

With first place in the Western Conference on the line, Houston Dynamo scored just before the half and rode great defense to hold on from there and regain the divisional lead with a 1-0 win against FC Dallas at Robertson Stadium.Brian Ching's goal in the 42nd minute was the difference as the Orange ended a two-game losing streak in MLS play, while also handing the Hoops their first loss in seven league games. [Citation
title = Dynamo beat FCD, reclaim first place
date = August 19, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070819&content_id=112570&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Game 23: vs. Columbus Crew

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Crew
H1 = 0
H2 = 1
R1 = 1
R2 = 0"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

Houston Dynamo remained atop the Western Conference, but increased their lead on FC Dallas by only a single point, while Columbus increased their margin in the battle for the eighth playoff spot in MLS, as the teams battled to a 1-1 draw. [Citation
title = Dynamo escape with draw vs. Crew
date = August 25, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070825&content_id=113694&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

After trailing most of the game after Alejandro Moreno scored for the Crew, the Orange took advantage of having a man advantage for the final 52 minutes of the match and Nate Jaqua knocked in a rebound to knot the score and give Houston a point to increase their lead over Dallas to two in the Western Conference.

Game 24: vs. Kansas City Wizards

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Wizards
H1 = 0
H2 = 1
R1 = 1
R2 = 0"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

The Kansas City Wizards put an end to their two-game losing streak, and Houston Dynamo got another point, as the two teams battled to a 1-1 draw in a game marred by yellow cards and missed opportunities at Robertson Stadium. Dynamo picked up a point on FC Dallas, who fell to D.C. United, but for the second consecutive game, they were unable to fully take advantage in extending their lead in the Western Conference. [Citation
title = Dynamo and Wizards battle to draw
date = September 1, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070901&content_id=114992&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

The Wizards ended a three-game road trip with one point at least, but they will stay put in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and fell farther behind New York, who defeated Chicago on Saturday night.

Game 25: vs. Real Salt Lake

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = RSL
H1 = 2
H2 = 2
R1 = 1
R2 = 2"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

Nate Jaqua netted his second career hat trick, and Corey Ashe assisted on all three goals as Houston Dynamo maintained their lead in the Western Conference by holding off Real Salt Lake 4-3 at Robertson Stadium. [Citation
title = Houston hold off RSL on Jaqua trick
date = August 11, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070908&content_id=116004&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

With the win, Houston extended its unbeaten streak to four games, while stopping Real Salt Lake's win streak at two games. FC Dallas defeated Toronto 2-0 simultaneously however, meaning Dynamo's hold on first place in the Western Conference is only two points ahead of FCD.

Game 26: at Los Angeles Galaxy

Linescore Soccer
Home = Galaxy
Road = Dynamo
H1 = 1
H2 = 2
R1 = 1
R2 = 0"at Home Depot Center, Carson, CA"

The Los Angeles Galaxy closed out a difficult week, conceding another three goals in a loss. Houston Dynamo came to town and walked away with three points as they reclaimed first place in the Western Conference in a 3-1 victory against the Galaxy at The Home Depot Center. [Citation
title = LA can't stop determined Dynamo
date = September 16, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070916&content_id=117606&vkey=news_lag&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Alan Gordon's first-half strike was canceled out by goals from Ryan Cochrane, Dwayne de Rosario and Ricardo Clark. With the victory, Dynamo officially qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs, while the Galaxy drew ever closer to being eliminated. They now have 17 points with eight games remaining, 13 points behind eighth-place Chicago; any combination of 11 points won by the Fire or lost by the Galaxy the rest of the rest will officially rule them out.

Game 27: at FC Dallas

Linescore Soccer
Home = FC Dallas
Road = Dynamo
H1 = 0
H2 = 0
R1 = 1
R2 = 2"at Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, TX"

Though it's been two weeks since they last took the field, reigning MLS Cup champions Houston Dynamo showed no ill effects from their layoff as they defeated FC Dallas 3-0 on Sunday afternoon at Pizza Hut Park. Dynamo got goals from Dwayne DeRosario in first-half stoppage time, Eddie Robinson in the 53rd minute and Stuart Holden in the 84th minute as they recorded their first win ever against FCD in Frisco. In addition, both teams ended the match a player short after Houston's Ricardo Clark and Hoops striker Carlos Ruiz were sent off in the final minute. [Citation
title = Dynamo dominate rival Hoops
date = September 30, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070930&content_id=120362&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Game 28: vs. Los Angeles Galaxy

Linescore Soccer
Home = Dynamo
Road = Galaxy
H1 = 1
H2 = 0
R1 = 1
R2 = 1"at Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX"

The Los Angeles Galaxy kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-1 comeback win against Houston Dynamo at Robertson Stadium, in front of the Dynamo's first sellout crowd in team history.Houston scored the first goal of the game as Nate Jaqua hit home in the 21st minute, but Carlos Pavon tied the score for the Galaxy just before halftime and Gavin Glinton hit for the game-winner in the 77th minute to disappoint the crowd of 30,588. [Citation
title = Dynamo strike first, LA gets last laugh
date = October 7, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20071007&content_id=121833&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Game 29: at Real Salt Lake

Linescore Soccer
Home = RSL
Road = Dynamo
H1 = 0
H2 = 0
R1 = 0
R2 = 1"at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT"

Houston Dynamo returned to their good form, beating Real Salt Lake 1-0 at Rice-Eccles Stadium on a Monday night. It was the Dynamo's first victory in Utah and set up a huge game this Saturday for the Western Conference regular season title.
Stuart Holden scored the game's lone goal in the 66th minute, as what first appeared to be a cross from the right flank crossed up RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando and sailed over his head into the far corner. [Citation
title = Houston return to form in win
date = October 15, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20071015&content_id=123755&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

Dynamo moved to within one point of the Western Conference leading Chivas USA.

Game 30: at Chivas USA

Linescore Soccer
Home = Chivas USA
Road = Dynamo
H1 = 0
H2 = 0
R1 = 0
R2 = 0"at Home Depot Center, Carson, CA"

Houston Dynamo were unable to capitalize on a man advantage during the final 50 minutes of the match and were held to a scoreless draw by Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center.The result was costly for Dynamo as it cost them the top seed in the Western Conference -- and guaranteed home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The result sets up a first-round playoff match up against interstate rival FC Dallas for Dynamo, who finished in second place in the Western Conference standings, one point behind Chivas. [Citation
title = Dynamo cap regular season with tie
date = October 21, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://houston.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20071021&content_id=124857&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&team=t200]

MLS Cup Playoffs

Western Conference Semifinals

During the Conference Semifinals the Dynamo, 2^nd seed, was paired against their in-state rivals FC Dallas, the 3^rd seed.

The first leg was lethargic, with Clarence Goodson scoring the only goal for FC Dallas in the 23rd minute to take a 1-0 lead to Houston. The Dynamo took only three shots on goal, while FC Dallas took four.

footballbox|date=October 27, 2007
20:00 EDT
team1=Houston Dynamo
score=0 – 1
team2=FC Dallas
goals1=Cochrane yel|26
goals2=Ruiz yel|19
Goodson goal|23
Ricchetti yel|58
Oduro yel|79
stadium=Pizza Hut Park, Frisco
attendance=12,537
referee=Kevin Stott
report=

The second leg began the same, with Carlos Ruiz scoring in the 14th minute to put FC Dallas up 2-0 on aggregate. But at the beginning of the second half, Arturo Alvarez was red-carded and sent off for kneeing Brad Davis in the groin while out of bounds. Playing shorthanded, FC Dallas would eventually falter, with Stuart Holden finally putting the Dynamo on the board in the 67th minute, and Brian Ching following in the 72nd minute to force extra time. FC Dallas only had three shots on goal in the second leg, with two of those in the first half. Ching finally scored the go-ahead goal in the 97th minute, while Davis tacked another one on in the 100th minute to seal the 4-2 aggregate victory for the Dynamo, and clinch their second Conference Final appearance—this time, hosting the Kansas City Wizards.

footballbox|date=November 2, 2007
20:30 EDT
team1=FC Dallas
score=1 – 4
team2=Houston Dynamo
goals1=Carlos Ruiz goal|14
Darío Sala yel|24
Denilson yel|39
Chris Gbandi yel|44
Arturo Alvarez sent off|0|47
Adrian Serioux yel|78
Drew Moor yel|99
Drew Moor sent off|1|119
Pablo Ricchetti yel|120
goals2= Richard Mulrooney yel|28
Eddie Robinson yel|40
Stuart Holden goal|67
Brian Ching goal|72
Brian Ching goal|97
Pat Onstad yel|98
Brad Davis goal|100
Dwayne De Rosario yel|109
stadium=Robertson Stadium, Houston
attendance=30,088
referee=Baldomero Toledo
report=

Western Conference Final

For the second year of the club's existence, Houston Dynamo will be playing for the championship of Major League Soccer after defeating the Kansas City Wizards 2-0 in the Western Conference Championship. [Citation
title = Dynamo rout Wizards, return to Cup
date = November 10, 2007
year = 2007
url = http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/mls_cup/2007/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071110&content_id=128927&vkey=mlscup2007&fext=.jsp]

In front of the largest home crowd in their short history, a goal from Nate Jaqua in the 34th minute put the Orange in the lead and Dwayne De Rosario netted in the 81st minute to send his squad to MLS Cup 2007, where Dynamo will also aim to be the first team to win back-to-back championships since D.C. United did it in the league's first two seasons.

The victory sets up the first repeat MLS Cup Final in league history, as Dynamo will take on the New England Revolution at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 18. Dynamo won last year's final on penalty kicks after the teams played to a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.

footballbox
date=November 10, 2007
7:30 CST
team1=Kansas City Wizards
score=0 – 2
team2=Houston Dynamo
goals1=Garcia yel|55
Marinelli yel|58
Arnaud yel|93
goals2=Jaqua goal|35 yel|41
De Rosario goal|81
report=
stadium=Robertson Stadium, Houston
referee=Jair Marrufo
attendance=30,972

MLS Cup 2007

The Houston Dynamo defended their title with a 2-1 win against the New England Revolution. For the second straight year, the same two teams faced each other in the final, the first time that it happened in Major League Soccer. For the first time since 1997, a team became repeat MLS Cup Champions.

footballbox
date = November 18, 2007
12:00 EST
team1 = New England Revolution
score = 1—2
team2 = Houston Dynamo
goals1 =Taylor Twellman goal|20
Khano Smith yel|65
goals2 =Wade Barrett yel|57
Joseph Ngwenya goal|61
Dwayne De Rosario goal|74
report =
stadium = RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
ABC, Telefutura, CBC Country Canada
referee = Alex Prus
attendance = 39,859

References

External links

* [http://houston.mlsnet.com/schedule/season.jsp?team=t200 2007 Houston Dynamo Schedule]
* [http://houston.mlsnet.com/t200/stats/index.jsp?club=t200 2007 Houston Dynamo Stats]