Houston Community News >> Houston Dynamo MLS Champs
11/12/2006 Houston -- Just went it appeared that New England might just win its first MLS Cup title in three tries after Taylor Twellman gave his side a 1-0 lead in overtime, Houston Dynamo Brian Ching countered with a goal of his own. The US international's goal 14 minutes into overtime forced a penalty kick shootout, which Houston won 4-3 to win the 2006 MLS Cup on Sunday evening at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.
Ching not only scored the lone
goal for his team in overtime, but he also converted the team's fourth and final
penalty kick. It forced Revolution defender Jay Heaps to make his with New
England's fifth attempt. While Heaps was able to keep the ball on frame to the
left side of the goal, Houston goalkeeper Pat Onstad was able to make the save,
giving his team a championship in its first year playing in Houston.
For New England, the loss was marked the team's third defeat in the MLS Cup. In
2002, Carlos Ruiz scored a Golden Goal to give the Los Angeles Galaxy a 1-0
victory over the Revolution. Last year, Pando Ramirez was the culprit, as his
volley from the top of the box in overtime gave the Galaxy a 1-0 victory and
their second MLS Cup title.
Clint Dempsey, who missed the team's last two playoff matches with a high ankle
sprain suffered against Chicago three weeks ago, did not make the start for the
Revolution. However, the US international did replace Andy Dorman in the 62nd
minute and was able to contribute for Steve Nicol's side.
The fact that the game went to penalty kicks was a first for an MLS Cup.
Twellman's goal came off a pass from Khano Smith and after the US international
beat two defenders before knocking the ball into the far corner of the goal. It
was Twellman's third goal in his last three playoff games and first in three
previous MLS Cup appearances.
Only a minute later, Ching was able to head home a long cross from Brian Mullan
for his third goal of the postseason. He was named the MLS Cup MVP for his
efforts.
(Contributed by USSoccerplayers)