Forward Justin Braun struck for a hat trick as Chivas USA downed the Houston Dynamo 3-0 Saturday night in southern California. With the loss, Houston dropped from ninth place to 11th place in the overall MLS standings. The Dynamo return to action next Saturday night, hosting the Seattle Sounders at Robertson Stadium.
In starting the match, Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis made his 184th career appearance for the Dynamo in all competitions, tying the club record held by Brian Mullan. Davis, already Houston’s all-time leader in assists and MLS appearances, will have a chance to pass Mullan in Saturday’s match against Seattle.
GAME NIGHT:
DYNAMO 0, CHIVAS USA 3
Chivas USA’s win Saturday night broke a five-game win streak and 12-game unbeaten streak in the MLS regular season head-to-head series; Chivas USA had not beaten the Dynamo in regular season play since August 26, 2006.
The Dynamo’s best scoring chance came in the 61st minute. Great combination play between forwards Cam Weaver and Will Bruin set up Bruin for an open shot from outside the penalty area, but his right-footed shot flashed just wide of the left post. Two minutes earlier, midfielder Geoff Cameron narrowly missed when his header from a corner kick bounced over the crossbar.
Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall, one of four Dynamo players named to the MLS All-Star Game, made five saves in the match, including a highlight-reel stop on a Michael Umana shot to the top corner in the 89th minute.
Houston midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson was ejected in the 70th minute after receiving his second yellow card of the game. The red card was Houston’s fifth in the last nine games and third in two games after the Dynamo finished with nine men last Saturday against Kansas City.
Midfielder Adam Moffat, acquired from Portland in a trade on Thursday, made his Dynamo debut as a substitute in the 67th minute. Rookie midfielder Alex Dixon made his fifth competitive appearance of the season and his fourth in an MLS game.
The Dynamo played without forwards Calen Carr (concussion) and Brian Ching (red card) and midfielder Colin Clark (red card).
Next Match: Saturday, July 30, 7:30 p.m., Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders, Robertson Stadium
