To commemorate the 10th season of Houston Dynamo soccer, we are counting down the Top 10 moments in Houston Dynamo history as voted on by the fans leading up to our 10th Season Celebration on Oct. 18 against the Seattle Sounders (TICKETS). Finally, is No. 1:
If the Houston Dynamo inserted themselves in the conversation of Houston sports with their inaugural match in 2006, they cemented their place in history with their final match of the year, defeating the New England Revolution in penalties to take MLS Cup in their first year of existence.
Dynamo fans came out in full force up I-45 to watch their team go for the championship at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, giving Houston a distinct homefield feeling. The teams went back and forth through regulation, but neither was able to find a goal in the first 90 minutes. In extra time, the Revs looked like they may take their first MLS Cup when Taylor Twellman finished a Khano Smith pass into the penalty area in the 113th minute of the match. But Houston was undeterred, and responded just a minute later.
After the restart, Brian Mullan played an early cross into the box and Brian Ching rose above his defender to glance a header into the far corner of the goal to stun New England and send the match to penalty kicks, a first for an MLS Cup final.
The teams matched each other on the first two rounds of penalties, but Pat Noonan skied his attempt for the Revolution in the third round to give the Dynamo the advantage. Matt Reis saved Brad Davis’ next attempt, however and the teams were level going into the deciding fifth round.
Brian Ching placed his penalty inside the right post, leaving Jay Heaps as New England’s last hope to extend the shootout. His low shot was easily smothered by Pat Onstad, and the Dynamo claimed their first championship.
