With the Dynamo set to begin the 2013 season in just 16 days – against D.C. United at BBVA Compass Stadium on March 2 – we are counting down to kickoff with a Dynamo-centric countdown to opening day. See the bottom of this post for the complete countdown list.
Each day, we’ll post a short description of what makes the number significant. If you have any Dynamo-related numbers of your own, post them in the comment section below.
Today, we continue with #16:
Dynamo forward Will Bruin set a franchise record with 16 goals in all competitions in 2012, with 12 in the regular season, and 4 more in the playoffs. With 16 goals, Bruin broke Brian Ching's club record of 14 goals in all competitions, accomplished twice, in 2006 and 2008.
On his way to 16 goals, Bruin set or matched a few more club records. He set a new mark for most goals in a single postseason (4) and became just the third player in club history to record a two-goal game in the playoffs with his two-goal performance at Chicago in the Knockout Round.
Bruin scored many important goals to help the Dynamo reach their fourth MLS Cup final in seven seasons. Here are some of the biggest:
• November 11, Eastern Conference Championship leg 1: 68th minute goal gives Dynamo 2-1 lead in home leg
• November 4, Eastern Conference semifinals leg 1: 75th minute strike was a psychological blow to Sporting KC and proved to be the decisive goal in a 2-1 series win
• October 31, Knockout Round: Bruin had never started a playoff game before Halloween Night in Chicago, but the sophomore striker rose to the occasion, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win. His header in the 12th minute may have surprised the Fire, but his second goal, just 19 seconds after the halftime whistle, was a shock to the hosts, and ultimately the difference as the Dynamo handed the Fire just its second loss in 22 home playoff games in team history.
• June 20, vs. Toronto FC: Facing their only two-goal halftime deficit of the season, Bruin scored twice in the second half - a clean finish from the top of the box in the 73rd minute and a header in the 90th minute - to salvage a home draw. Bruin nearly bagged a hat trick moments later when his strong header hit the face of a Toronto defender on its way to goal.
Most goals in a season, Dynamo history:
<b>YEAR</b> |
<b>PLAYER</b> |
<b>REGULAR SEASON GOALS</b> |
<b>PLAYOFF GOALS</b> |
<b>CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GOALS</b> |
<b>TOTAL</b> |
<b>2012</b> |
Will Bruin |
12 |
4 |
0 |
<b>16</b> |
<b>2008</b> |
Brian Ching |
13 |
0 |
1 |
<b>14</b> |
<b>2006</b> |
Brian Ching |
11 |
3 |
0 |
<b>14</b> |
Complete Countdown to Opening Day List:
#17 - Dynamo scored 17 goals in final 15 minutes of games in 2012
#18 - Dynamo have lost just 18 MLS home games in seven years
#19 - Dynamo finish 2012 with franchise best +19 home goal differential
#20 - Brad Davis' combined goals and assists in 2011 and 2012
Return to the blog on Friday for number 16 on our countdown to opening day.
