MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Dynamo Open Disney Pro Soccer Classic with 0-0 Draw Versus Sporting KC

Published on February 24, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


The Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City played to a 0-0 draw on Friday in the opening game of the Disney Pro Soccer Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. The game was a rematch of the 2011 Eastern Conference Championship, which Houston won 2-0.

Chances were hard to find for the Dynamo, which featured a starting lineup including ten returning players. The game included the first preseason appearance by Houston midfielder Brad Davis, the 2011 MVP finalist returning from a quadriceps injury suffered in the title game last November.

Sporting's C.J. Sapong nearly scored in the 18th minute as he extended his leg attempting to reach a cross from Chance Myers that rolled swiftly through the center of the penalty area. But Sapong didn't get enough off it to threaten the Dynamo goal.

Kansas City had a better chance in the 25th as Kei Kamara broke away on the left flank and carried the ball into the box. Kamara's shot hit Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall high in the chest, as Hall was in good position on the near post to thwart the Sporting winger.

Seven minutes later, Kansas City's Matt Besler headed Graham Zusi's corner kick just past the far post on another quality chance.

A minute later, Will Bruin produced the best goal opportunity for Houston. The second-year player ripped a strike from near the top of the box that forced Sporting goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen to dive far to his left for a great save.

Neither club made any substitutions at halftime as both coaches sought longer minutes for their returning players with the regular season drawing near.

Trialist Warren Creavalle, playing near his college home at the University of Central Florida, created a Dynamo threat in the 52nd minute. The defender broke forward and found Alex Dixon in front of the penalty area. Dixon took a shot that was deflected into the air towards Creavalle, who sent a shot wide of the goal.

Hall produced another fine save save three minutes later, as Zusi's corner found Sapong, who headed it hard and low towards the goal where Hall kept it out.

Houston's best chance of the second half came in the 86th minute. Brad Davis, who led the league with 16 assists in 2011, curled in a beautiful corner to Geoff Cameron. The defender's header required Nielsen to fall to his right to make the save.

The Dynamo continue the Pro Soccer Classic on Sunday when they meet Vanouver Whitecaps at noon Central Time. The game will be streamed live on MLSsoccer.com.

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 24, 2012


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