Houston Dynamo were welcomed with open arms, nice weather and comfortable accommodations on the beaches of Puntarenas, but once the game started - with the sun beating down and Puntarenas fans cheering endlessly - it became clear this was no vacation.
Knowing the quality of play Puntarenas had demonstrated and the fact that they were in foreign territory a draw could have been considered a victory for the Orange.
Early in the match Pat Onstad suffered an ankle injury and Zach Wells came in as substitute, going on to play an exceptional game. This was Wells' first international match, and a few minutes into the game he pushed a penalty kick wide of the post becoming an instant hero.
However, the game turned out to be more than 90 minutes of heated action, yellow and red cards, as well as injured Dynamo players. A last-minute goal by Puntarenas FC earned the home side a 1-0 win. Orange fans, as well as members of the organization, were frustrated over the outcome and all sentiments boiled down to Craig Waibel's comment, "We got jobbed."
Thursday's game in College Station, Texas will be a hunt for revenge and a homecoming for the Orange.
"We are trying to get revenge for that last match" said midfielder Mike Chabala.
Team spirits are high, as Dynamo not only have home advantage, but they know the Texas weather and know their fans don't mind the drive up to College Station. Texas A&M Athletic Director Bill Byrne stated that he and the school "look forward to a great night of international competition" and that it will definitely be a great night.
Tickets for the Dynamo's CONCACAF home match are still on sale. To purchase, please log on to www.houstondynamo.com, call the Dynamo Ticket Offices at 713-276-7500, or purchase tickets at any Ticketmaster outlet. You can also catch the game on Fox Sports Channel or Fox Sports en Español at 8 p.m. CT.
