Ching's Spectacular Goal Sinks United

United Coach Peter Nowak was not particularly upset with the setback. He noted that both United and Houston achieved their objectives going into the contest.

The Dynamo clinched a playoff spot in its first season in Houston after moving from San Jose.

"I think both games we have played against them have been really competitive and pretty open," Nowak said. "I think we played pretty smart.

"We are looking forward to the last two weeks and getting ready for the playoffs."

United appeared content to allow Houston to put on the offensive pressure for much of the contest. The Dynamo made some good runs, but was unable to get through United's tough back line.

"Our pressure was very good, from the top to the bottom," Nowak said. "We still need to create more chances. I thought our defense played very well.

"I don't think we made a mistake [at the end]. I think we were unlucky. That was a great shot by Brian Ching."

Defense figured most prominently into the opening 45 minutes as neither team came close to scoring.

Jaime Moreno, Freddy Adu and Christian Gomez tested the Dynamo defense early. Tough marking by defenders Craig Waibel and Eddie Robinson kept United from getting off a shot.

Houston controlled much of the final 20 minutes, putting together several runs on the United end.

Two Dynamo shots in the 28th minute were blocked by United defender Brandon Prideaux.