Preseason
A huge thank you to the Vancouver Whitecaps who were able to cut a highlight package from yesterday's match at the Carolina Challenge Cup. Will Bruin and Adam Moffat scored second-half goals to lead the Dynamo to a 2-1 victory over the Whitecaps.
Following tonight's results in Charleston, the Dynamo are now tied for second place in the Carolina Challenge Cup. Houston defeated Vancouver 2-1 behind second half goals from Will Bruin and Adam Moffat and the Chicago Fire defeated the Charleston Battery 2-1 behind a stoppage-time goal from Alex.
The Dynamo still have an outside chance of winning the preseason tournament, but they will need help from the Whitecaps in Saturday's finales. Here are the updated standings.
| Current Standings | ||||
| Team | Games Played | Points | GF | GA |
| Chicago Fire | 2 | 6 | 5 | 3 |
| Houston Dynamo | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Vancouver Whitecaps | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Charleston Battery | 2 | 0 | 3 | 5 |
The Dynamo will conclude the Challenge Cup Saturday at 6:15 p.m. CT against USL Pro club Charleston Battery. Prior to that match, the Whitecaps and Fire will square off in their Charleston finale. For the Dynamo to win the tournament for the third time, they will need to defeat the Battery, the Whitecaps need to defeat the Fire and the Dynamo need to finish with a better goal differential than both Chicago and Vancouver.
All matches will be streamed on USLnation.com.
The Dynamo traveled to Tucson, Ariz. on Monday morning to begin the first of two preseason trips. The club will also visit Charleston, S.C. for the Carolina Challenge Cup Feb. 16-23.
This trip includes three scrimmages against MLS competition beginning Tuesday afternoon (3 p.m. MT, 4 p.m CT) against the San Jose Earthquakes. The Dynamo face the Colorado Rapids on Thursday and the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday before flying back to Houston on Sunday morning.
This week in Tucson represents an opportunity for players to make an impact and an impression with several regulars not on the trip. In addition to Will Bruin, Tally Hall and Brad Davis, who will suit up for the U.S. national team on Tuesday night at BBVA Compass Stadium, Boniek Garcia is with Honduras and Corey Ashe, Calen Carr and Omar Cummings are each rehabbing injuries. With seven potential starters not on the Tucson trip, it offers quality minutes to several trialists and the squad players looking to crack the lineup on March 2 against D.C. United.
Today's practice session was a good indication of the competitive spirit in the camp. After a morning flight from Houston the club had a practice session at Kino Sports Complex with 40-degree temperatures and cold, desert winds. It wasn't an easy day in the sun after a morning flight. The group engaged in a spirited session that included a half-field scrimmage highlighted by impressive speed of play and some quality goals.
Now, with three games in five days, the players will have a chance to perform against MLS competition. It should be fun to watch. Check HoustonDynamo.com throughout the week for match reports and more.