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MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Ching, Holden set to return as Dynamo host D.C. United Saturday night

July 31, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON, TX (Friday, July 31, 2009) - U.S. national team standouts Brian Ching and Stuart Holden have rejoined the Houston Dynamo and will be available for the Dynamo's home game Saturday night against D.C. United at Robertson Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

The game can be seen on Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports en Español and can be heard on 790 The Sports Animal and 850 La Ranchera. The first 5,000 fans will receive a Dynamo beach towel, and the game is also Faith and Family Night at Robertson Stadium, with a post-game concert featuring Matt Brouwer.

The Dynamo (9-5-5, 32 points) have a three-point lead atop the Western Conference, although Seattle has a game in hand. Houston will be buoyed by the return of midfielder Stuart Holden, who was named to the all-tournament team in the Gold Cup after netting two goals and two assists in his first five appearances for the U.S. national team, and forward Brian Ching, who also scored in the tournament. Holden will be celebrating his 24th birthday. The Dynamo are coming off of a 1-0 home loss to New England last week and are still not at full strength due to injuries.

D.C. United (6-3-10, 28 points) ranks third in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer, just two points behind first-place Columbus. United has the most potent offense in Major League Soccer, with 31 goals this season, although they rank 11th out of 15 teams defensively. Forward Luciano Emilio and attacking midfielder each have six goals, as does the league's all-time leading scorer, veteran Jaime Moreno. Rookie Chris Pontius, with four goals, has been a threat while splitting time between midfield and forward.

The Dynamo could be without up to five regulars for the game, including: forwards Kei Kamara (quad strain) and Cam Weaver (hernia surgery); midfielder Brian Mullan (ankle); and defenders Richard Mulrooney (knee) and Eddie Robinson (knee).

Following Saturday's game, the Dynamo will next be in action on Thursday, August 6, when they travel to face FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park. Houston will next be at home on Sunday, August 9, when the Dynamo host the Chicago Fire.

The Houston Dynamo are a Major League Soccer franchise that won two MLS Cup championships in its first three seasons and qualified to represent the United States in four consecutive regional championships. Be sure to ask about the new Texas Children's Health Plan Family Section. For more information, log on to www.HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-7500.

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 31, 2009


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