Before Houston Dynamo's game against New York on Wednesday, the Orange learned that midfielder Brad Davis would be out 6-8 weeks following successful surgery on the medial meniscus on his right knee.
Stuart Holden started in Davis' place against the Red Bulls and contributed in a big way with two assists and a goal, leading Houston to a 4-0 win against New York.
With the win, Houston extended its unbeaten streak to seven and continues putting the heat on Western Conference leading FC Dallas. Dynamo also extended their shutout streak to four games and haven't conceded a goal since Columbus scored in the 25th minute on June 10.
"It's seven in a row now unbeaten," Holden said. "We haven't conceded a goal in our last four. We're not going to be able to win any games if we give up goals, so our defense deserves a lot of credit again. (Joseph Ngwenya) had two good headers."
Both of Holden's assists came off set pieces, which were Davis' forte.
"I think it was our night tonight," said defender Wade Barrett. "They had some good possessions in the first half, but I thought we're always good on set pieces, and we proved it again tonight. Unfortunately, we lost Brad Davis to injury. He's normally the guy who serves in the ball, but Stuart Holden was serving the ball into the box today. We shot great. We had guys attacking. We know that as long as we keep things tight in the back, we'll create opportunities."
Houston's first goal came in the 28th minute when Holden swung in a free kick from the right and found Ngwenya, who bounced a header into the left corner of the goal. Three minutes later, Brian Ching scored off a rebound. Ching nearly scored on a header off a Holden corner kick, but the ball hit the post and bounced out into the box where he knocked it back home.
In the 50th minute, Holden found Ngwenya again. Holden's corner kick from the right met a streaking Ngwenya and he sent a glancing header inside the near post. In the 80th minute, Holden got on the board with a shot from outside the box after getting a layoff pass from newly acquired Nate Jaqua.
"I had some great balls served in from Stuart," Ngwenya said. "The first one was a good ball and the second one was great as well. I'm happy I managed to get the ball on them. I think our goal tonight was to come in and put them on their back heels. It's always great to get that first goal so fast. It's always nice to get that quick first goal. It settles everyone down."
Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear was very happy with the team's play and happy with the play of Holden and rookie defender, Patrick Ianni, who got his second start of the season in place of Eddie Robinson, who was serving a one-game suspension for getting five yellow cards.
"I thought we played well," Kinnear said. "When the game goes on, and you get into the 80th minute, you want to keep it a zero (on the scoreboard) because the guys are pretty proud of keeping the ball out of their own goal. I think the best way to do that is when you have it, you keep it.
"As the game wore on, Stuart got better and better. Pat was very physically challenging and made life difficult for their forwards. They played well against Kansas City as well. The way they played tonight doesn't surprise me. It shows they have consistency in their attitude."
After the game, Holden said he wanted to fill the void left by Davis and help the team win.
"Brad was a big part of our team, so there was a big void left by him," Holden said. "I wanted to come in and help in any way I can. I put in some set pieces, and there was the good header by Joseph. My shot - Nate laid a good one off, and I was happy to find the corner of the net."
In his first game with the Orange, Jaqua provided a lift coming off the bench. After arriving earlier in the day, Jaqua entered in the 78th minute and contributed to Holden's goal. Jaqua said he was excited to contribute and happy to be with Dynamo.
"I'm excited. On my first day here, I get in," Jaqua said. "The team played great today, so it was fun watching that. We got a win. I played 10 minutes, so that was fun.
"I just come and help the team and help them win. I'm excited. It's a great team. It's a great organization. I was just happy to be here and want to keep us winning."
Jeremy Rakes is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
