HOUSTON - In their first two matches against FC Dallas, the Houston Dynamo earned points in a pair of ties but chastised themselves for the goals they allowed.
Better defense in those two matches could arguably be the difference between first and fifth place in the tight Western Conference standings.
With a chance at redemption on MLS Primetime Thursday, and in their third and final regular season matchup against their intrastate rivals, one fatal defensive mistake led to an FC Dallas goal from Kenny Cooper and cost them two more points.
Another draw, this time a 1-1 tie in front 16,933 mostly Dynamo fans, gave the season series to the Hoops on away goals (4-2).
For the first time in three years, the Dynamo, who got their lone goal from Brian Ching in the first half, were not able to win the battle for "El Capitan."
Despite the tie, Houston was able to extend its unbeaten streak against FC Dallas to seven games.
After 3-3 and 2-2 ties in the first two matches, a 1-1 draw is almost fitting for the two clubs who seem to be spinning their wheels week after week.
Since claiming their share of first place earlier this month, the Dynamo are winless in three league matches and will not play another MLS home match until Aug. 2 when they face the Columbus Crew. For FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman, it was his first coaching point in MLS, after seeing his new charges fall to New York in his debut.
Cooper tied the match for the Hoops in the 64th minute when he headed a perfect pass by Juan Toja into the near corner past a stunned Pat Onstad (three saves).
Dallas just missed on a similar play in the 58th minute, but Onstad made the save on another Cooper-Toja connection.
But after the second time was the proverbial charm, Onstad screamed at his defense for leaving Cooper completely unmarked in the center of the penalty area.
It didn't show in the first half, but the Dynamo sorely missed defenders Richard Mulrooney (right knee swelling) and Eddie Robinson (right ankle sprain).
In the first half, the Dynamo played their best 45 minutes since shutting out Toronto on June 8.
Midfielder Dwayne De Rosario was stopped by FCD goalkeeper Dario Sala, who had four saves, in the 13th minute. Then his bicycle kick in the 20th minute off a Patrick Ianni cross wowed the fans, but the ball sailed just wide of the net.
The Dynamo found the back of the net in the 21st minute and had a 1-0 lead when Ching bounced a header past Sala.
Craig Waibel, who had several good scoring chances in the game, cutback from his right foot to his left on the right flank and sent a perfect cross about six yards in front of Sala. Ching was all alone and buried the header for his first goal since scoring twice against Toronto.
Both teams had minimal chances to win the game after the Cooper goal, but Brian Mullan nearly found Dwayne De Rosario in the 64th minute.
But De Rosario, who was probably the best player on the field Thursday, could not get a shot on goal after maneuvering around a Dallas defender after settling the pass.
Andrew J. Ferraro is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
