MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Houston Dynamo beats Chivas USA

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


Giles Barnes scored two goals and Brad Davis and Will Bruin added one goal each as the Houston Dynamo rolled to a 4-1 win over Chivas USA on Saturday at StubHub Center.

The Dynamo (3-4-2; 11 points) are in a four-way tie for third place in the Eastern Conference, three points behind conference leader New England Revolution.

The Dynamo begin a three-game home stand on Wednesday against the Columbus Crew followed by home games against Real Salt Lake (May 11) and the LA Galaxy (May 17).

Chivas USA seized an early lead when Brad Davis tripped Carlos Alvarez in the penalty area and Chivas USA was awarded a penalty. Erick Torres converted the spot kick for his seventh goal of the season and a 1-0 lead.

The Dynamo responded within five minutes. Boniek Garcia drove a splitting pass through the middle to Bruin, who slid a pass at the top of the box intended for Andrew Driver, but the ball was deflected and claimed by Davis. The Dynamo captain used two crafty touches to settle the ball, and then buried his chance into the low corner from 15 yards for an equalizing goal.

It was Davis' first goal of the season.

Davis had another opportunity in the 30th minute, charging to the top of the penalty area from midfield and receiving a pinpoint pass from Garcia, but his shot from 15 yards sailed over the goal.

Garcia continued his masterful night of distribution by beginning the build up to Houston's go-ahead goal. The Honduran lofted a pinpoint pass from Houston's defensive half across field and to the feet of Barnes. The English forward drove forward and cut right before striking a shot from 25 yards that hit the side netting for a 2-1 lead.

It was the first goal of the season for the Dynamo's 2013 Golden Boot winner.

It was also Garcia's first assist of the season.

Leading 2-1, Houston added an important goal in first-half stoppage time. Driver combined with an overlapping Corey Ashe down the left flank and Ashe delivered an early service to the center of the penalty area. Bruin used a clever touch to settle the ball while shielding it from his marker and then calmy slotted home from 10 yards for a 3-1 lead.

It was Bruin's team-leading fifth goal of the season and second straight game with a tally. Bruin is tied for third in MLS in scoring this season.

Houston sealed the win in the 67th minute. A goal kick from Chivas USA was met by a powerful header from Dynamo defender David Horst that returned the ball deep into Houston's attacking half. Bruin forced a back pass from Bobby Burling and intercepted the ball before darting around goalkeeper Tim Melia, who dove to his right and tripped Bruin.

Melia was issued a red card and the Dynamo were awarded a penalty kick.

Barnes smashed the spot kick into the back of the net for his second goal of the night.

It is Barnes' third two-goal game with the Dynamo and first since he scored twice against Chivas USA last September in a 5-1 win at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The win was Houston's first road victory of the season and snapped a six-game winless streak.

With four goals, the Dynamo matched their largest goal total of the season, set on opening day in a 4-0 win over New England.

The Dynamo host the Columbus Crew at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday at BBVA Compass Stadium.

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