HOUSTON - FC Dallas came out inspired but off target in a 3-0 loss to Houston Wednesday night, ending their U.S. Open Cup run in the quarterfinals.
The Hoops gave up a goal to Dynamo defender Eddie Robinson off a corner kick in the 13th minute, and Dynamo got goals from Alejandro Moreno and Chris Wondolowski in the second half to eliminate FCD and spoil the Hoops debut of goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.
"It's disappointing to give up a goal off a set play early on," said FC Dallas head coach Colin Clarke. "There is no excuse for that; we're right behind the eight ball already. But there were a lot of positives for me tonight, the boys played hard and come after it which I asked them to do, but it was obviously the result we didn't like."
After making a great run to the U.S. Open Cup final last year and losing to Los Angeles Galaxy the Hoops were hoping to make a repeat run at the Dewar Trophy this season.
"Obviously it was a disappointing loss for us," said forward Kenny Cooper. "This competition means a lot to us. We had ambitions of winning it and Houston is a pretty tough team to beat this year. But we look forward to the next time we'll be able to play them."
Houston has been a thorn in the side of the Hoops all season. FC Dallas had managed only a draw in three league matches entering Wednesday's match. Being eliminated form the Open Cup just adds fuel to the fire.
"They're a good team they work hard for each other, they have some good players," said Clarke. "It's a tough place to come and play."
The goals the Hoops gave up were primarily due to lack of communication. The FCD lineup was nearly full strength with just Richard Mulrooney missing from the regular starting 11.
"No excuses, if you concede goals like we did it's hard to play," said Simo Valakari. "What can you do? You can possess and you can knock around but if you give those goals away it's hard to play."
Hislop was making his first appearance in goal for the Hoops after being acquired in July. Hislop starred for Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany in June.
"He could've done better on the third goal, the free kick," said Clarke. "But I thought the first half he was solid made a good save, tidied things up at the back and was a calming influence. It was his first game since the middle of June so I know he'll get better and get sharper."
Scott Joiner is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
