By THOMAS FLOYD

The first day of the Chad Ochocinco era in Kansas City wasn't exactly a smashing success.

The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver acknowledged he was behind the pace Wednesday as he began his trial with Sporting Kansas City, telling reporters, "The only thing I'm probably good at is just being fast as hell.

By THOMAS FLOYD

The first day of the Chad Ochocinco era in Kansas City wasn't exactly a smashing success.

The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver acknowledged he was behind the pace Wednesday as he began his trial with Sporting Kansas City, telling reporters, "The only thing I'm probably good at is just being fast as hell.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Union

Faryd Mondragon said, "If we play the way we know how to play, we can beat anyone."

Sebastien Le Toux on Houston: "We know we can beat them."

And, as Marc Narducci reports, Danny Califf knows it can be done. Califf was on the LA Galaxy team that, in the 2003, beat San Jose 2–0 in the first leg, was up 2–0 in the second half, and lost 2–5 in extra time.

With the 51st pick in the MLS Draft, the Chicago Fire selected University of California forward, Davis Paul. According to the SB Nation MLS Mock Draft, the Fire might have gotten a steal here. Burgundy Wave writer Chris 'Uz' White selected Davis Paul with the 36th overall pick when his Colorado Rapids were on the clock.

Coach Carlos de los Cobos released 7 more trialists today and added 1, bringing the roster down to within 5 of the expected final count. 33 players remain in camp out of the 28-30 required by March 1. 21 of the 33 have contracts, 10 trialists remain, and 2 unsigned draft picks remain. There are rumors of more potential trialists floating around but time is running out.

Chicago Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas has been very busy making moves and Communications Manager Brendan Hannan has been very busy sending out press releases in the last 24 hours. The Chicago Fire have traded away forward and fan favorite Calen Carr, a 2012 Supplemental Draft selection, and exchanged an empty roster spot for a full one.

For almost 100 years, the top soccer teams in the United States have enter fields of play with the agreement that the winner of the next game moves on in the U.S. Open Cup. From lush plots of Kentucky bluegrass to rough play lots carved out in the corners of Brooklyn neighborhoods, in times of World War and in times of social revolution, with players born in Athens, IL and players born in Athens, Greece, the U.

By CALEB SONNELAND

The Houston Dynamo bolstered its attacking corps with the acquisitions of Spanish striker Sergio Koke and Jamaican midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson on the final day before the early transfer window closes.

Koke joins the club from Greek outfit Aris, where the forward netted 38 goals in 175 appearances.

All I can say is thank whatever deity you like that the Houston Dynamo have just gotten deeper than they were, say at this time a couple of weeks ago. Check out this injury list for Saturday's clash with the Chicago Fire:

HOUSTON DYNAMO -- OUT: FW Calen Carr (concussion); FW Brian Ching (L rib separation); DF Jermaine Taylor (R foot sprain); MF Francisco Navas Cobo (R hamstring strain); MF Danny Cruz (R knee hyperextension); MF Lovel Palmer (L lower leg tendinitis)

Now Carr, Ching, Cobo and Taylor are unchanged, but adding Danny Cruz and Lovel Palmer to the list creates an interesting hole on the right side of midfield.

• Chivas USA lose control of game through HOU set pieces [MLS Soccer]
• Davis set pieces deliver Dynamo win [MLS Soccer]
• Houston rekindles fighting spirit in win [MLS Soccer]
• Dynamo snap out of malaise [Houston Chronicle]

Calen Carr Update

• Former Branson standout Carr's career on hold after concussion [Marin Independent Journal]

Dynamo Academy in Holland

• Dynamo draw 0-0 in Eurovoetbal opener [Houston Dynamo]
• Dynamo win, lose, and tie in Day 2 action [Houston Dynamo]
• Dynamo falter on Day 3 of tournament [Houston Dynamo]

Houston Dynamo (5-7-9, 24 pts.) vs. Seattle Sounders FC (10-4-8, 38 pts.) Robertson Stadium - Houston, TX - 7:30 pm
BROADCAST INFORMATION: KHOU 11.2 (ENG TV) SportsTalk 790 (ENG Radio) .La Ranchera 850 (SPN Radio) San Jacinto Post-Game Call-In Show with Glenn Davis - SportsTalk 790
REFEREE: Niko Bratsis - MLS Career: 6 games; FC/gm: 25.

Rumors are swirling that the Houston Dynamo are working to secure the services of Honduran striker Carlos Costly ahead of the closing of MLS's summer transfer window on August 15th. With Will Bruin on the shelf for at least a month and Calen Carr still recovering from a concussion, it certainly makes sense for Houston to be looking to add a forward, but is this the type of player they need or a desperate attempt to just get someone signed this summer?

The last time D.C. United came to Toyota Park was on October 16, 2010. It was Brian McBride's last home game and it turned out to be C.J. Brown's last home game too. 306 days is a long time but it feels even longer ago, more distant. The lineup for that game was Andrew Dykstra; Steve Kinney, Wilman Conde, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Deris Umanzor; Bratislav Ristic, Logan Pause, Peter Lowry, Marco Pappa; Brian McBride, Patrick Nyarko.

Philadelphia Union vs. Houston Dynamo
November 03, 2011 -- Robertson Stadium
Eastern Conference semifinals -- Game 2
Attendance: 24,749

Scoring Summary:
HOU -- Brian Ching 1 (Brad Davis 2) 48+

Philadelphia Union -- Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Carlos Valdes, Danny Califf, Gabriel Farfan (Roger Torres 66), Michael Farfan, Brian Carroll, Veljko Paunovic (Freddy Adu 66), Sebastien Le Toux, Jack McInerney, Danny Mwanga (Justin Mapp 66).

LA and Houston battle in the 2011 MLS Cup this weekend. (Getty Images)

Well, here we are, the final game of the 2011 season. MLS Cup 2011 or 2011 MLS Cup...whatever way you look at it we are at the final game of the year.

I've been sitting quiet all week on this game, mostly due to the work load I've had at my day job but also because there were other items to get through here.

The Fire can't be too happy with a 2-2 draw with Florida Gulf Coast University on Thursday night. The game was played in three thirty minute halves and featured most of the trialists on the pitch as the Fire relinquished a two goal lead after the first sixty minutes.

Here's the Fire line-up:

Sean Johnson (Jon Conway 31', Alec Dufty 61')

Jalil Anibaba (Yoximar 31', Eric Ustruck 61', Yoximar 79')

Josip Mikulic (Kwame Watson-Siriboe 31')

Cory Gibbs (Pari Pantazopolous 31', Jalil Anibaba 61')

Gonzalo Segares (Michael Muniz 31', Evan Schwarz 61')

Patrick Nyarko (Bratislav Ristic 31', Jochian Bendu 61')

Baggio Husidic (Fabio Burbano 31', Martin Rivas 61', Shane Clark)

Logan Pause (Michael Videira 31', Corben Bone 61')

Daniel Paladini (Marco Pappa 31', Orr Barouch 61')

Gaston Puerari (Calen Carr 31', Amani Walker 61', Jason Herrick 82')

Gabriel Ferrari (Anderson Costa 31', Davis Paul 61')

As you can see subsitutions were very liberal while Marco Pappa and Kwame Watson-Siriboe scored the goals for the Fire.

The Fire have announced the signing of Orr Barouch and Mike Videira bringing the total number of "signed" players on the roster to 25. Barouch, a 6'-2" nineteen year old forward and product of the Tigres UANL youth system scored 4 goals against the New York Red Bulls reserves last month. Videira, 25, has MLS experience with New England and can play midfield or defense.

Calen Carr Traded to Dynamo

Calen Carr has been sent to Houston in a trade for Dominic Oduro. Carr's currently nursing a concussion, if for some reason he can't return from that injury we'll lose a future MLS SuperDraft pick. We here at Hot Time will certainly miss Calen Carr, and wish him the best of luck in Houston!

After missing a sitter that could have saved a point for Dynamo against the Union, Dominic Oduro has been traded to the Chicago Fire. In return the Dynamo get Calen Carr. Carr is a 28-year old, 6 foot tall forward/winger with good speed and some of the similar finishing issues that have plagued Oduro his entire career.

Former Fire forward Calen Carr -- ISI PhotosBRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The Chicago Fire added some new pieces to the puzzle on Wednesday with the acquisition of forward Dominic Oduro and Colombian defender Yamith Cuesta.
The Fire sent a 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft selection to Chivas USA for Cuesta's rights.

Summary of yesterday's Chicago Fire news:

Fire add Dominic Oduro and Yamith Cuesta, trade Calen Carr and Supplemental Draft Pick. Also Power Rankings, Ristic doubtful for home opener, writer's roundtable, home opener preview, and more!

Links after the break...

Trades

Fire Trade Calen Carr Nullifying Calen Carr Section 8 Song; Cuesta Joins From Chivas USA - On Fire on Windy Citizen
The new look 2011 Fire just morphed again as they announced they have acquired the rights of defender Yamith Cuesta in exchange for a 2012 Supplemental Draft Pick.

The Houston Dynamo's search for a Designated Player appears to have come to a fruitful end.

According to a report from Greece, the Dynamo has agreed to a DP deal with Spanish striker Sergio Contreras Pardo, who goes by "Koke" and currently stars for Aris FC.

Koke, 27, previously played at Malaga and Marseille before joining Aris in 2006.

Houston Dynamo (3-1-3) vs. DC United (2-3-2) Robertson Stadium - Houston, TX - 7:30pm CT
BROADCAST INFORMATION KHOU 11.2 (ENG TV) FOX Sports Houston Plus (ENG TV) KPRC 950 (ENG Radio) La Ranchera 850 (SPN Radio) San Jacinto Post-Game Call-In Show with Glenn Davis - KPRC 950, 9:45 p.

Not to be dramatic, but this weekend's match for the Dynamo begins a stretch of games that could go a long way towards defining the rest of their season. Even if Houston was to go 0-4 the rest of the month, it wouldn't mean the season was over, but it would certainly be a blow to the team's confidence and the fans hopes.

The latest Major League Soccer Injury Report came out yesterday and some Chicago Fire players have seen their statuses change. The good news is defender Cory Gibbs and forward Gabriel Ferrari are off the list and back to being healthy. Gibbs had been suffering from a left hamstring strain. He actually trained fully with the team last Thursday but the coaching staff decided to play it safe and Gibbs did not even dress for Saturday's game.

Photo by ISIphotos.com

By THOMAS FLOYD

After a two-month slump caused by a combination of injuries, international absences and inconsistent play, a nearly 100 percent New York Red Bulls squad reminded MLS just how lethal it can be Wednesday, dismantling Toronto FC for a 5-0 win.

Luckily, the team we're going to be facing in this video is not the one with Red in the name, but rather the one in red jerseys.

Among the things I'm seeing here that I hope Dynamo exploit on Saturday night:

1. Woeful defending. I think the next time TFC play together as a unit will be the first time.

The Dynamo fought back for a 2-2 draw against a 10-man Columbus Crew. That's right, fought back for a draw against a 10-man Crew.

There are a couple ways to look at tonight's draw.

You could rage against referee Chris Penso for giving a ridiculous penalty against Cam Weaver for a ball to hand in the box and allowed the Crew back in to the game.

By JOSE M. ROMERO

The Houston Dynamo was in the driver's seat at halftime, leading 1-0 over the Columbus Crew with a man advantage after Emmanuel Ekpo was sent off for popping the Dynamo's Adam Moffat in the face with a high elbow in the 11th minute.

The Dynamo, leading at halftime after Je-Vaughn Watson's impressive header off a service from Jermaine Taylor in the 34th minute -- over big defender Chad Marshall, no less -- was 45 minutes from picking up three big road points and strengthening their position in the chase for an MLS playoff wild card spot.

At this point, what more can you really say?

The Houston Dynamo host the San Jose Earthquakes tomorrow night at Robertson Stadium desperately needing points to stay ahead of the trip of teams with games in hand who sit right on their tails in the standings. The Dynamo are holding on to a playoff spot by the slimmest of margins and anything less than the full three points against the Quakes really won't cut it.

By JOSE M. ROMERO

The Houston Dynamo changed their fortunes for the better in the span of a week, capping off seven days that began with a loss to Sporting Kansas City and progressed with a draw at Columbus with a 2-1, come-from-behind win over the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday night at Robertson Stadium.

By JOSE M. ROMERO

The Houston Dynamo changed their fortunes for the better in the span of a week, capping off seven days that began with a loss to Sporting Kansas City and progressed with a draw at Columbus with a 2-1, come-from-behind win over the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday night at Robertson Stadium.

San Jose Earthquakes (6-11-11) vs. Houston Dynamo (9-9-12)
September 17, 2011 -- Robertson Stadium
Attendance: 18,129

Scoring Summary:
SJ -- Khari Stephenson 4 (Steve Beitashour 5, Joey Gjertsen 3) 40
HOU -- Brad Davis 4 (penalty kick) 47
HOU -- Will Bruin 5 (Luiz Camargo 1, Danny Cruz 3) 79

San Jose Earthquakes -- Jon Busch, Steve Beitashour, Nanna Attakora, Bobby Burling, Ramiro Corrales, Joey Gjertsen (Jacob Peterson 63), Sam Cronin (Maxwell Griffin 82), Rafael Baca, Simon Dawkins (Matt Luzunaris 83), Khari Stephenson, Chris Wondolowski.

Houston Dynamo (10-9-12) vs. FC Dallas (13-10-7) September 24, 2011 -- Pizza Hut Park, Frisco TX Attendance: 10,849

Scoring Summary:

HOU -- Geoff Cameron 5 (Brad Davis 14) 87

Houston Dynamo -- Tally Hall, Andre Hainault, Bobby Boswell, Geoff Cameron, Corey Ashe, Adam Moffat, Luiz Camargo, Brad Davis, Danny Cruz (Je-Vaughn Watson 58), Brian Ching (Carlo Costly 78), Calen Carr (Colin Clark 64).

Dominic Oduro -- Getty ImagesBy Charlie Corr
ESPNChicago.com
Fire interim head coach Frank Klopas certainly was not conceding Saturday's game against the Houston Dynamo. But with Tuesday's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Seattle Sounders FC and a recent 3-0 win at Real Salt Lake three days prior, Klopas decided to put several of Chicago's key cogs on the bench to start out.

Chicago Fire (7-8-16) vs. Houston Dynamo (10-9-13) October 1, 2011 -- Robertson Stadium Attendance: 17,544

Scoring Summary:

HOU -- Colin Clark 4 (unassisted) 33
CHI -- Dominic Oduro 12 (Baggio Husidic 2) 43

Chicago Fire -- Sean Johnson, Michael Videira, Jalil Anibaba, Cory Gibbs, Gonzalo Segares, Logan Pause, Daniel Paladini, Baggio Husidic (Pavel Pardo 67), Corben Bone (Marco Pappa 73), Dominic Oduro (Patrick Nyarko 51), Diego Chaves.

Here's a Tweet from Jose de Jesus Ortiz

@OrtizKicks Cam Weaver will have season-ending hip surgery to repair a labrum tear Thursday. More on chron.com later today.

This is a hit, but right now, we have so many forwards that I don't really think it's going to hurt too much.

Houston Dynamo (11-9-13) vs. Portland Timbers (11-14-7)
October 14, 2011 -- JELD-WEN Field, Portland OR
Attendance: 20,323

Scoring Summary:
HOU -- Andre Hainault 1 (Brad Davis 15) 36
HOU -- Danny Cruz 2 (Luiz Camargo 2) 59

Houston Dynamo -- Tally Hall, Andre Hainault, Bobby Boswell, Geoff Cameron, Corey Ashe, Danny Cruz, Adam Moffat, Luiz Camargo (Je-Vaughn Watson 77), Brad Davis (Colin Clark 74), Calen Carr (Will Bruin 81), Carlo Costly.

LA Galaxy (19-5-10) vs. Houston Dynamo (12-9-13)
October 23, 2011 -- Robertson Stadium, Houston TX
Attendance: 30,018

Scoring Summary:
HOU -- Adam Moffat 2 (unassisted) 27
HOU -- Bobby Boswell 5 (Adam Moffat 2) 48
HOU -- Carlo Costly 1 (Brad Davis 16) 74
LA -- Jack McBean 1 (Chad Barrett 5, Michael Stephens 1) 88

LA Galaxy -- Donovan Ricketts, Frankie Hejduk (Ryan Thomas 77), Gregg Berhalter (Sean Franklin 46), Dasan Robinson, A.

Fire's Dominic Oduro -- Getty ImagesBy Charlie Corr
ESPNChicago.com
The Houston Dynamo thought that Dominic Oduro was so much of a liability after missing a sitter in the season opener that they immediately cast him off to the Chicago Fire, trading him for Calen Carr.
Houston's misstep was Chicago's offensive answer, particularly in the final two thirds of the season, as Oduro received ESPN Chicago's vote for being the team's most valuable player in 2011.