MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Bruin Shocks D.C. with Late Game-Winner

August 4, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


Will Bruin scored the winning goal in second-half stoppage time as the Houston Dynamo seized a dramatic 1-0 win over D.C. United on Sunday night at BBVA Compass Stadium.

In the first minute of stoppage time, substitute midfielder Brian Ownby flicked a header toward goal from midfield and United defender Taylor Kemp headed the ball into the penalty area. The ball bounced and Bruin applied pressured as Steve Birnbaum's header was collected by substitute forward Omar Cummings, who slid a pass in the path of Bruin, who tapped into an empty net from four yards for the decisive goal.

It was the Dynamo's latest game-winning goal since Colin Clark converted a penalty kick in the fourth minute of stoppage time against Real Salt Lake on Sept. 6, 2012.

It was also the latest goal of Bruin's MLS career.

Bruin leads the Dynamo with eight goals this season and has equaled his total from last regular season.

It was Bruin's tenth goal in 12 career games against United, including playoffs.

The win snapped an eight-game winless streak for the Dynamo and lifted the club into a tie for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Houston is five points behind the fifth Eastern Conference playoff spot with 13 games remaining in the regular season.

The Dynamo featured their two most recent acquisitions in the starting lineup. DaMarcus Beasley played 90 minutes at left back in his Dynamo debut and first game since the 2014 World Cup. Luis Garrido started in the center of midfield and played 76 minutes in his Houston debut.

Houston pressed for the opening goal and had several great chances in the first half. Bruin came close with a pair of headers - the first skipped off the top of the cross bar while the second was palmed over the goal by United goalkeeper Bill Hamid.

Giles Barnes was denied from 10 yards by a strong save from Hamid, who stretched his leg to make the stop after Boniek Garcia won the ball in midfield and led the break.

In the second half, Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall made an important save, diving far to his right to parry away Chris Rolfe's chance from 20 yards.

Hall made two saves to record his sixth shutout of the season.

The Dynamo (22 points) are tied with the Chicago Fire for eighth place in the Eastern Conference, two points behind Philadelphia, four back of New England and five removed from Columbus for the fifth final playoff spot.

The Dynamo visit the Western Conference-leading Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday, Aug. 10, with kickoff at 9:30 CT from CenturyLink Field.

Houston will host the Philadelphia Union on Friday, Aug. 15 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Dynamo Milestones and notes:

Bruin now has ten goals in 12 career games against D.C. United, including playoffs.

It was Cummings' first regular-season assist this year. Cummings also assisted on Alexander Lopez' goal against the Laredo Heat in the U.S. Open Cup on June 11.

It was Brad Davis' 325th career MLS regular season game.

The Dynamo improve to 10-0-1 all-time at home against D.C. United, including playoffs.

Next Game: Sunday, August 10, 9:30 p.m. CT, Seattle Sounders FC vs. Houston Dynamo CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA

Next Home Game: Friday, August 15, 8 p.m. CT, Houston Dynamo vs. Philadelphia Union, BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, TX

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