Three Major League Soccer teams took the field in preseason action on Wednesday, including reigning MLS Cup champions Houston Dynamo, who defeated the University of Central Florida in their first game action of the new campaign. Also, in an all-MLS battle, the New York Red Bulls took down rivals D.C. United.
Dynamo ran out 4-1 winners over the Golden Knights in a game played at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex. Four different Dynamo players found the net during the match with Brian Mullan and Chris Wondolowski leading the way with one strike and one assist each. Mullan put Houston on top just 11 minutes after kickoff.
The lead was doubled only six minutes later. Mullan turned provider to set up Wondolowski, who beat UCF 'keeper Brian Pope. Houston's third goal was scored just before the halftime break, Wondolowski trying his hand as the assist man and setting up Canadian international Dwayne De Rosario.
For the second stanza, Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear put on an entirely new side. In the 70th minute a pair of Houston rookies combined to stretch the lead to 4-0. Corey Ashe played a cross in to Erik Ustruck, who headed the ball home. The final 4-1 score line was reached after an own goal by Eddie Robinson.
Elsewhere in the Sunshine State, the Red Bulls came from behind to put down United. Christian Gomez put the Black-and-Red on top late in the first half. After taking a pass from forward Jaime Moreno, the reigning Honda MLS MVP lobbed New York's senior international goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus. Gomez nearly stretched the lead moments later when his flick-on from a low cross flew just over the crossbar.
The Red Bulls tied the game eight minutes after the break following a miscue by D.C. goalkeeper Jay Nolly. He raced out of his penalty box in an effort to clear a long ball over the defense, but he misplayed the ball to allow 17-year-old Jozy Altidore an easy finish.
New York went up for good in the 62nd minute. Forward Jerrod Laventure stripped a United defender in D.C.'s defensive end and ran up the right wing before cutting the ball back to Sinisa Ubiparipovic. Instead of shooting, the University of Akron draft selection laid the ball off to Ansu Toure, who guided it home from six yards out.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
