The biggest story out of Saturday night's FC Dallas-Houston match at Pizza Hut Park was FCD's first-ever win over their in-state rival which put the Hoops nine points ahead in the Western Conference heading into the season's stretch run. But while that was the major story, an interesting sidebar was the first-team debut of FCD rookie Justin Moore, who got his first career start at right back.
Moore, a Clemson product, was a second-round pick (15th overall) in the 2006 MLS Super Draft and had previously seen time with the FCD first team only on July 15 at Chicago. In that contest, he entered the game in the 21st minute after David Wagenfuhr suffered a concussion and had to leave the field.
FCD head coach Colin Clarke was clearly pleased with Moore's performance against Dynamo.
"I thought he did very well," Clarke said. "He's had a good preseason, worked hard and deserved his chance. I thought he did very well tonight. He was in a back four that hasn't played together."
All-Star midfielder Richard Mulrooney also offered a ringing endorsement of Moore's play on Saturday night.
"I thought he did fine since he didn't know he was going to play until Thursday," Mulrooney said. "He works hard and I wasn't surprised. I think the future is bright for him."
When asked for his own assessment about his performance, Moore offered: "I came in pretty confident because Ronnie (O'Brien) and (Greg) Vanney talked to me before the game and gave me some support. It also helped that they (Houston) got a red card," he said. "It helped me have a little more time on the ball. I really just soaked it all up and enjoyed it."
Dynamo were left to play with 10 men after defender Eddie Robinson was ejected in the 31st minute for receiving his second yellow card of the match.
Moore's first start came about when Bobby Rhine, the normal starter on the right side, got a yellow card on Wednesday at Colorado, putting him over limit of five cautions before suspension.
Rhine wasn't the only starter missing from the first 11 as center back Drew Moor, who was also booked against the Rapids, also had to miss the Dynamo match due to suspension.
Playing on the right side, Moore's primary task was to mark Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis, who leads the team with seven assists this year. The former Clemson product showed he was up to the task, effectively limiting the impact that Davis had on the game.
Besides it being his first career start for the Hoops, what was most memorable for Moore was that his side recorded their first-ever victory over Dynamo on the evening.
"It's awesome," he said. "The only game (before tonight) I had played against Houston was in a reserve game. It's a bit different in the first team game. The rivalry is getting bigger with each game. To come out with a win is awesome and to keep our streak going from Colorado. I'm happy to help out. If that's my only game this season, I'm proud of that."
Moore is the second rookie to start for FCD this year. Rookie striker Dominic Oduro, a fellow second-round pick (22nd overall) in the 2006 Super Draft, started three games up top for the Hoops earlier this season. He scored his first career goal in the second minute of a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls on July 8 in Frisco.
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
