It has been quite some time since Houston Dynamo have felt the sting of a loss.
On Thursday night at Toyota Park, Dynamo rolled over the Chicago Fire in a 4-0 victory, running their unbeaten streak to nine games. With their last defeat in late May to D.C. United, Dynamo have also shut out their last six opponents and not allowed a goal in 605 minutes.
"Our defense is playing great," said striker Joseph Ngwenya, who scored one of the goals of the season in the 62nd minute. "They're very sharp and they bring a great intensity. These guys never gave up this year. No one hung their heads when we lost three in a row. Instead, we picked each other up and kept fighting."
Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad said the team is playing with intensity.
"We're playing well and we're scoring goals at the right time," Onstad said. "More importantly, I think the energy is there when we get the ball. We keep it and don't give it away. The guys have been fantastic, especially (Thursday)."
One person who has already made an immediate impact is Nate Jaqua.
Jaqua was acquired via a trade from the Los Angeles Galaxy on July 3 in exchange for midfielder Kelly Gray and a second-round pick in the 2008 SuperDraft. Jaqua got the start at forward against Chicago and he scored and also assisted on a goal. It was his first tally in a Houston uniform -- and came against his former team.
"It's been good. I'm adjusting and playing with these guys is great so I'm enjoying it," said Jaqua.
It was Jaqua's first trip to Chicago since he was an MLS All-Star in 2006 with the Fire, his fourth season with the club. He was first sent to Toronto FC during the offseason, then to the Galaxy before the campaign began.
"I heard more cheers than boos," said Jaqua of the pregame introductions. "Being back in Chicago is great, especially seeing all my buddies from the team and all the fans here. I loved playing here. It's great to be back here."
Jaqua scored his first goal for his new team in the 58th minute. Ngwenya had his back to the Fire goal and was trying to dribble out of trouble in the penalty area. The ball squirted away and it found Jaqua all alone in front of the Fire goal.
"I saw the ball come across and just checked to the near post and I did not want to take another touch because I did not know who was coming up behind me," Jaqua said. "I tried to curl it in near post and was able to go high over (Chicago goalkeeper Matt) Pickens."
Ngwenya said the addition of Jaqua has been a plus for Dynamo.
"He's got good size and he's very fast with the ball," Ngwenya said. "It is very easy to communicate with him. He's a great guy and he fits in here."
Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear said the combination of Jaqua and Ngweyna was a pleasant surprise.
"I thought in the second half that Joe and Nate were excellent holding the ball up and running into spaces," Kinnear said. "You're always happy when you win and your forwards play well and score. It was a good homecoming for Nate and Joe continues to impress his teammates."
Tim Hilton is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
