CARSON, Calif. — Never count the Houston Dynamo out. That’s the lesson that was hammered home here on Sunday afternoon after Andre Hainault’s 92nd-minute goal gave them a 1-0 win over Chivas USA.
“The one thing about this team is you can never throw in the towel too early,” midfielder Brad Davis told MLSsoccer.com. “I don’t know how many times we did it last year. And over the years, we’ve continued to claw and fight until the final whistle is blown and come out with points.”
On this night, the Dynamo dominated the match, outshooting the Goats 9-2, and would’ve avoided all the late drama if not for Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy. The Rojiblancos’ number one stood his ground time and again, making seven saves, including stoning Will Bruin on a breakaway and stopping two second-half lasers from Adam Moffat and Bruin.
“We said after the game, ‘Yes, we won, but we could’ve had a couple more,’” Hainault told MLSsoccer.com. “Brian hit the post. Will had a breakaway. We had chances, but it felt like we were going to have to say, ‘Okay, we’ll just take 0-0 and get out of here.’ But it worked out in the end.”
The last time the Dynamo were at The Home Depot Center, it didn’t work out in the end. They lost 1-0 to the LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup final in November, courtesy of a late goal from Landon Donovan.
By all indications, that setback won’t have a lingering effect in 2012.
“That’s the culture of this team: To fight for each other,” Davis said. “The attitude of everybody tonight was awesome. Everyone continued to fight.”
Greg Lalas is editor in chief of MLSsoccer.com.
HIGHLIGHTS: CHV 0, HOU 1
