Dynamo News:

• " I'm willing to bet Ching will be a member of the Dynamo by March 11." Ortiz- (Houston Chronicle)
• An old interview with Kandji after he was traded to Colorado- (The Shin Guardian)
• Clark, Weaver want starts- (MLS Soccer)
• Ching played the game as a professional- (ESPN)
• As if you didn't see below, Dynamo interested in Johnson- (Fox Soccer)
• Dynamo think they have their man in Kandji- (MLS Soccer)
• Roberts here to succeed- (MLS Soccer)

Soccer News:

• Capello stuck by his beliefs- (Fox Soccer)
• USA to face Brazil- (Fox Soccer)

Tweet(s) of the Day

Official;) yfrog.

Nick Sabetti: Picking Ching Was a Mistake

Some interesting thoughts from Nick Sabetti who covers the Montreal Impact for SportsNet and Goal.com.

You can't hear it yet, though the vertigo feeling has dramatically changed to falling. Falling isn't the right word, so I'll get literate on you. Falling of Biblical proportions. The 1st Chapter of Satanic Verses Falling. The longer this plays out, the lower the valuation. The Impact are in a tough situation with only one suitor.

O primeiro jogo da Long Teng Cup 2011, foi realizado no dia 30/09/2011, na cidade de Kaoshiung-TPE< onde jogaram as seleções de Taiwan (172º no ranking da FIFA) e a seleção de Macau (191º no ranking da FIFA).
Antes desse jogo, as 2 seleções jogaram:
Eliminatórias Copa do Mundo
2006Macau 29/11/2003 MAC1:3 (0:1)TPE Play-off2006Taipei 23/11/2003 TPE3:0 (1:0)MAC Play-off
Eliminatórias Continentais
1992Pyongyang 07/06/1992 MAC2:0 (0:0)TPE Preliminary round
Amistosos
Kaohsiung 09/10/2010 TPE7:1 (3:0)MAC Group matches2007Macau 24/06/2007 MAC2:7 (0:2)TPE 2006Macau 09/08/2006 MAC0:1 (0:0)TPE 2003Hong Kong 02/03/2003 MAC1:2 (1:1)TPE
O árbitro desse jogo, não foi encontrado.

Their Words "The important thing is that Omar is healthy and fit again. We wish him well." Nurnberg chairman Martin Bader. Other Sources MLS shifting resources away from Generation adidas - from FoxSoccer.com's Ives Galarcep: There was nothing subtle about this shift in policy. Ching will not retire, will report to Montreal team - from The Houston Chronicle's Jesus Ortiz: "I've decided I'm not going to retire," Ching said.

Marsch wants Hainault and draft picks for Ching

Montreal coach Jesse Marsch, according to Fox Sports, covets Canadian national team defender Andre Hainault and the framework of any deal will begin with him and also include draft picks.

Boom. Well, at least if Ching is gone, we have no doubt that Geoff Cameron is ready to step up in to a team leadership role...not that we ever doubted that would happen anyway.

Well said Geoff. I believe this is what you might call a "verbal bitch slap".

• Can the Dynamo win one for De La Hoya? [Yahoo! Sports]
• Power outage during Galaxy match still rankles Dynamo [Houston Chronicle]
• Houston's Kinnear: Davis not available for MLS Cup [MLS Soccer]
• Dynamo hold topping out ceremony at new stadium site [Houston Dynamo]
• Kinnear, Arena vie to become first coach with three MLS titles [Houston Chronicle]
• MLS Cup Head-to-Head Breakdown: Bench [MLS Soccer]
• Ching fights off injuries, leads Dynamo to Cup appearance [MLS Soccer]

In Other News:

• Keane puts Galaxy on hold to relish moment [Irish Times]
• Jay Heaps chosen as next Revolution coach [Boston Globe]

Here are the details on how to get tickets for Sunday's Eastern Conference Final in Kansas City.

--

Dynamo Advance to Eastern Conference Final in Kansas City!

In the second leg of the Eastern Conference semifinal against the Philadelphia Union on Thursday night, Ching struck the lone goal to give Houston the win and seal passage to a Conference Final for the fourth time in six-years.

• Dynamo Notebook: First goal is key to success [MLS Soccer]
• Dynamo vow not to sit on lead in playoff series [Houston Chronicle]
• Ching is no stranger to playoff soccer [Houston Dynamo]
• Dynamo ready for another rough game [MLS Soccer]
• Playoffs in Profile: Fit, focused Davis an MVP candidate [MLS Soccer]
• Ex-Fire forward Carr steps up for Dynamo [ESPN Chicago]
• Houston's Carr takes road less traveled to concussion recovery [MLS Soccer]

In Other News:

• Real Salt Lake lose 2-0, but advance 3-2 over the Seattle Sounders [RSL Soapbox]
• Sounders Win, And Lose To Real Salt Lake [Sounder at Heart]
• Sporting KC Dominate Rapids 2-0, Advance to Eastern Conference Finals [The Daily Wiz]

• Rebuilt Dynamo bearing fruit for Kinnear [Houston Chronicle]
• SKC and Houston poised to advance [ESPN]
• Dynamo determined to keep all guns blazing [MLS Soccer]
• Dynamo know they must remain aggressive in home match against Union [Houston Chronicle]
• MLS Conference Semifinals: A Look Ahead [Soccer by Ives]
• 'D' capital for Dynamo during unbeaten streak [Houston Chronicle]
• Ching enjoys being part of deep forward corps [MLS Soccer]
• Dynamo assistant Ralston a candidate for Revolution job [Houston Chronicle]
• Academy Roundup - October 30 [Houston Dynamo]

In Other News:

• Sounders FC faces daunting task of winning by four goals [Seattle Times]
• Sigi Schmid Wants To Give Seattle An Epic Tale [Sounder at Heart]
• Donovan says Galaxy 'assuming' Beckham will stay [Sports Illustrated]
• MLS gauging interest in club playing in Baltimore [Washington Post]
• Tributes paid to Doncaster's Billy Sharp after baby tragedy [BBC]

As the Oranj sit idle, the Dynamo Theory Faithful (ROYAL WE) must endure an excruciating lull between games, teams push past us in the playoff standings. So I sit, twiddling my angry thumbs-with little left to do other than creating an interim poll. Impotence sucks so I must resort to madness.

For years, one of the primary questions for the Dynamo has been- if Ching is injured or is having one of his infamous dry spells, who picks up the scoring slack?

Random thoughts from Saturday's game, where the Three Amigos from the Nutmegging (or Nutmegged) blog were finally reunited for a game. I still love the blog's postcript salute to the redneck American prejudice against footy as if it's a noncontact sport- 'I love soccer- am I gay?' Here goes:

• Why did we bring in Carr if we stay with the diamond, which compacts play into one third or ½ of the field when we have possession?

• Dynamo Notebook: Home cooking suits playoff chasers [MLS Soccer]
• Season Tickets are on sale to everyone! [Houston Dynamo]
• Q&A: Dynamo Stadium GM Doug Hall [Houston Dynamo]
• 'Dancing Bear' Bruin nets decisive goal [MLS Soccer]
• Healthy Ching eager to return for Dynamo [Houston Chronicle]

The News from Southern Oklahoma:

• FCD Notebook: Injuries piling up at the wrong time [MLS Soccer]

Their Words I have been involved in a few reserve games and they have been good for fitness and for getting back into the swing of things but there's nothing like putting on the shirt and playing in a competitive match. Bolton Wanderers midfielder Stuart Holden. Other Sources Timothy Chandler pledges his allegiance - from ESPN.

Here are the final numbers from the Players Union for base salaries and guaranteed compensation. I don't know about you, but there sure seems to be some wasted money on this list. For example, the Dynamo are paying Carlo Costly nearly a half million in reported pay (there could be more allocation money involved) and all we've gotten is a red card.

• Travel trouble lands Dynamo in Columbus [Houston Dynamo]
• Leading scorer Ching questionable for Wednesday [Houston Chronicle]
• Playing shorthanded all too familiar [MLS Soccer]
• Bunbury's two goals helps Sporting beats Houston [Houston Chronicle]
• Houston Dynamo's Moffat targeting Scotland caps [Tribal Football]
• San Carlos midfielder Sanchez set to join Houston Dynamo [Tribal Football]

Closing in on a season defining fortnight, I have several questions about our beloved Naranja. We discussed this ad naseum over lunch today. The answers, of course, will mean the difference between attending the playoffs possibly for the last time at Robertson Stadium and watching the playoffs from the depths of my couch (those that are actually broadcast on noncable TV).

BIG THANKS TO ZACH FOR HELPING ME GET THIS TO POST

Sometimes being bored has its advantages.

After an hour of being undercaffeinated while listening to a lecture about the philosophy of coaching Under 8's waaaaay too early on a Saturday morning, my thoughts drifted to the Orangemen (apologies to anyone Irish for that reference).

via www.thebigquestions.com

Punching in a quickie post regarding Houston's home and away records (if you've heard me type several miles away, you'll know what I mean- I'm been asked not to type when on conference calls).

Our recent surge reflects our ability to draw on the road and win at home- hence Martek's claim of Robertson Stadium becoming a House of Pain once again.

I never thought Adam Moffat would get his very own link thread on this site. No way, no how. He just never played a big role in the Timbers line up, or history... until yesterday that is. I'm not going to rant or rave about Adam Moffat and whether he really is as good as that strike he made. That's all up for debate.

Portland Setup: Portland set up in a variation of a 4-4-2 with two holding midfielders in Jewsbury and Chara. Chara and Zizzo would take turns moving forward partnering with Nagbe in the center behind Johnson. Zizzo played wide right and Nagbe played wide left but could often be found central with Cooper moving out wide to the left.

• Ching returns, helps Dynamo bury Sounders [MLS Soccer]
• Dynamo regain confidence in win [MLS Soccer]
• Dynamo Continue Home Dominance of Seattle, Eye Playoff Run [Houston Press]
• Ching doubles his pleasure [Houston Chronicle]
• Former Rapids player thrives in Houston [The Coloradoan]
• Dynamo Notebook: Davis sets franchise mark [MLS Soccer]

In Other News:

• Holden returns to training after 5 months out [Yahoo!

Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that performance this weekend from the Dynamo. I'm not complaining of course and I've never been happier to be so wrong about a game, especially when it's beating up the Sounders. In case you missed it, and I doubt if you're reading this blog that you did, Houston took it to Seattle on Saturday, thumping the inventors of all things soccer, 3-1.

Clark 7´ (1-0 ), Ching 23´(2-0), FERNÁNDEZ 36´ p.(2-1), Ching 71´ (3-1). Hace dos semanas Los Sounders FC parecian indetenibles. Después de vencer 3-2 al Colorado Rapids la Furia Verde alcanzaba nueve juegos invictos en la MLS y aspirando a pelear en la cima de la tabla general con Los Angeles Galaxy y FC Dallas.

After the Houston Dynamo – Bolton Wanderers match, Matilda and I had the opportunity to speak to a number of Bolton players and Owen Coyle. Rather than pick out certain quotes to give you, we've decided to post the entire transcript.

Hit the jump for our short chat with Stuart Holden:
Q:How is the leg and everything?

Houston Dynamo trialing Ecuadorian forward Miller Castillo [MLS Soccer]

Canetti pointed to the scout's recommendation that Castillo is a forward who's speedy - something the Dynamo covet - but who will be able to withstand the physical tolls that come with playing in MLS. That's a hurdle many international players struggle to deal with upon arriving in the US.

• Dynamo 2, D.C. United 2 -- postgame notes [Houston Dynamo]
• Dynamo Notebook: Good formation, good fortune [MLS Soccer]
• Ching's late goal rescues tie in DC [MLS Soccer]
• Charlie Davies, D.C. United settle for a tie with the Houston Dynamo [Washington Post]
• Dynamo U-16s lose first playoff match [Houston Dynamo]

In Other News:

• In Gold Cup final, it's red, white and boo again [LA Times]
• MLS Still Primary Revenue Source For Soccer-Specific Stadiums [The Brotherly Game]

You have NO IDEA how much I'd rather talk about Earthquakes-Galaxy, but oh well.
Occasionally on the way to games, I like to play MP3 I Ching. You put the player on shuffle, and try to guess from the mood of the songs how the day is going to go.
Did it work? Well, I'll sprinkle in a few lyrics here and there, and let you judge for yourself.

• Dynamo's Ching working hard for spot vs. Chivas USA [MLS Soccer]
• 'Soft' tag irks Dynamo [Houston Chronicle]
• Houston staying positive to ride out storm [MLS Soccer]
• Five burning Dynamo questions [FS Houston]
• Photos: Dynamo players shave heads [KHOU]
• Piña named to U.

• Dynamo looking for consistency [MLS Soccer]
• Rookie Report: Bruin hopes to heat back up [MLS Soccer]
• Sarkodie scores late to lift Reserves [Houston Dynamo]
• Please Step Away from the Ledge [Houston Chronicle]
• Ching hoping injury luck has finally turned [Houston Chronicle]
• Dynamo players' heads shaved to support cancer patients [Houston Dynamo]

Dynamo Academy in Holland

• Leo Ayala interview - Acadamy in Holland Day 3 [Houston Dynamo]
• Dynamo U-17s defeat Vitesse 2-0 [Houston Dynamo]

The story that won't go away.

This week at the Dynamo Insider:

Dynamo Girls Diaries Episode 3: Dynamo Girl Kelly Ryan takes us behind-the-scenes at practice as they prepare their pre-game and half-time routines. We also follow Kelly as the girls and her attend Soccerfest.

Click here for more (free registration required).

Houston Dynamo (3-2-3) vs. Toronto FC (1-3-4) BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario - 6:00pm CT

BROADCAST INFORMATION
KHOU 11.2 (ENG TV)
TV Azteca-51 - 8:30 a.m. Sunday (SPN TV)
Sports Talk 790 (ENG Radio)
La Ranchera 850 (SPN Radio)

REFEREE: Jorge Gonzalez.

MLS announced today that Will Bruin has been voted MLS Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters.

Bruin (21 years, 187 days old) became the second youngest player in MLS history to record a hat trick and only the fourth rookie in league history to do so. He's the fifth Dynamo player to score three goals in a match (Ching-2, Davis, Jaqua) and all five at come at home.

Houston's Ching sidelined with rib cartilage injury

X-rays show no break, but may be 2-4 weeks for veteran to recover | HoustonDynamo.com

...Gee, thanks Bouna.

Photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIPhotos.com

Dwayne DeRosario's New York Red Bulls debut started as well as he and his new team could have hoped, with a skillful assist on his first touch. Unfortunately for the Red Bulls, that moment of brilliance was one of the few the Red Bulls could muster.

Houston Dynamo at New York Red Bulls Red Bull Arena - 6:30pm CT
BROADCAST INFO:
KHOU 11.2 (ENG TV)
KPRC 950 (ENG Radio)
La Ranchera 850 (SPN Radio)
TV Azteca-51 (SPN TV, Sunday 8:30 a.m. CT)
HEAD-TO-HEAD
ALL-TIME (10 meetings): Red Bulls 3 wins, 11 goals .

Friday, March 25 - 9:00 p.m. CT - Qwest Field, Seattle, WA

All-time record: Seattle leads 2-1-1

Broadcast: Television

FOX Soccer Channel, FOX Deportes (Pregame at 8:30)

Broadcast: Radio

KPRC 950 (ENG), La Ranchera 850 (SPN)

LAST YEAR (MLS):

8/8: SEA 2, HOU 0 (Montero 64; Fernandez 88)
10/23: HOU 2, SEA 1 (Cameron 27; Weaver 46 - Riley 12)

Dynamo Starting XI:

Dynamo Bench: Deric, Chabala, Robinson, Dixon, Cruz, Ching, Weaver

Sounders Starting XI: Keller, Scott, Ianni, Parke, Gonzalez, Friberg, Alonso, Evans, Zakuani, Montero, White

It's time for some Friday Night Soccer as the Dynamo travel to Seattle looking for their first win of the 2011 season.

Looking at the callup against Argentina and Paraguay, I really don't have any big complaints. Sure, I'd like to see Charlie Davies in the mix, but all told, there is no Freddy Adu, no Ching, no Eddie Johnson, and there are a couple new faces in the mix. No word yet on whether camera whore Larissa Riquelme will be in attendance.

Includes when it was called the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Qualifying games like the ones Colorado and LA played in the 90s are not included. However, the preliminary round games that are a part of the new Champions League are included (as they're considered part of the final tournament).
Alltime Records
GP W L D Pts GF GA GD DC United 40 16 14 10 58 64 58 6 Houston 22 7 8 7 28 28 31 -3 Columbus 18 8 7 3 27 25 26 -1 Chicago 11 6 3 2 20 18 14 4 Los Angeles 14 5 5 4 19 20 24 -4 San Jose 8 5 3 0 15 10 12 -2 Real Salt Lake 6 4 1 1 13 17 11 6 Toronto 10 3 3 4 13 8 10 -2 Kansas City 8 3 3 2 11 9 11 -2 Seattle 8 2 5 1 7 8 12 -4 New England 6 1 4 1 4 4 12 -8 New York 2 0 1 1 1 3 4 -1 Chivas USA 2 0 1 1 1 1 3 -2
This season, Colorado and Dallas will make their debuts in the competition.