The Houston Dynamo went down to a 3-0 defeat to the Eastern Conference-leading Columbus Crew Saturday night in Columbus, Ohio, completing an exhausting stretch of four games in 10 days. The Dynamo now get a much-needed week off before hosting New York on Saturday, July 31, at Robertson Stadium.
On Saturday, Columbus took the lead in the 34th minute when Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall mishandled a long ball, and Emilio Renteria tapped the loose ball into an empty net. The Dynamo pushed forward in the second half but were reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute when defender Bobby Boswell was ejected after receiving his second yellow card.
Columbus added two more goals with Houston down a man. Andy Iro volleyed in a Guillermo Barros Schelotto free kick in the 84th minute, and midfielder Léandre Griffit added a goal in the 90th minute on a counterattack.
With the loss, the Dynamo’s winless streak in league play ran to seven games (0-4-3). They have not won a league game since May 22.
Goalkeeper Tally Hall earned his second start of the MLS regular season for the Dynamo and his fourth in a row following a strong SuperLiga performance. Pat Onstad did not start due to an abdominal strain aggravated yesterday, a game-day decision taken as a precautionary measure. Onstad’s absence broke a streak of 72 consecutive starts in MLS and league play by the 42-year-old goalkeeper, excepting absences for national team duty. Onstad last missed a match due to injury or suspension on April 19, 2008, with a shoulder sprain.
Defender Bobby Boswell made his 100th career start for the Dynamo in all competitions, the 10th player to reach that milestone for the club. Defender Mike Chabala appeared in his 50th career game for the Dynamo.
New assistant coach Steve Ralston was on the bench for the first time after meeting the club in Columbus.
Next
Game in Houston: Wednesday, July 28, 7:30 p.m., 2010 AT&T MLS All-Star
Game, Reliant Stadium:
MLS
All-Stars vs. Manchester United
Next Dynamo Game: Saturday, July 31, 7:30 p.m., Dynamo vs. New York Red Bulls, Robertson Stadium
