PDA

View Full Version : steelerfan's FIFA 14 (PS3) Career Mode Thread



steelerfan
11-28-2013, 09:20 AM
I decided to go ahead and get this rolling and I'll work on sliders as I go. I'm starting off at Houston Dynamo as Manager Dominic Kinnear. I am using Orion's sliders (current gen) from OS to start out. I have made 2 changes to Orion's setup: I will be playing on World Class and I have lowered User Pass Error from 51 to 45.

I'm going to play my preseason friendlys in season 1 (2013 MLS season) just to get a feel for the new game and sliders.

I'll be using this thread to give short synopses of my progress. My opening friendly is at home (BBVA Compass Stadium) against Spanish side CE Sabadell FC of the Segunda Division (Second Division in Spain) on Monday, February 18, 2013.

steelerfan
11-28-2013, 10:21 AM
A couple of other notes about my career. I am playing with Strict (60%) budget rules and I have turned off the first Summer transfer window so that rosters will remain intact until January 2014. Also I am using the British Pound (Sterling £) as my currency since I ultimately plan to get to England. Therefore, all monetary figures in this thread will be in £.

steelerfan
11-28-2013, 10:46 AM
Houston was outshot 7(1) to 6(3) in a game of few chances on Monday night at a rainy BBVA Compass Stadium, the match ending in a 0-0 draw with Sabadell FC. The Spaniards possessed the ball for 59% of the contest and were whistled for just one foul (compared to Houston's 7).

Houston got standout performances from Captain Brad Davis (8.1), Warren Creavalle (8.1) and Corey Ashe (8.4) while Goalkeeper Tally Hall made 4 saves to keep a Clean Sheet.

CB Eric Brunner suffered a broken ankle and is expected to miss 3 months, a blow that will force boss Dominic Kinnear to shuffle his backline. Brunner joins CDM Ricardo Clark on the injured list for Houston. Clark is still recovering from a broken tailbone that he suffered at the end of last season. He is expected to be out for another month.

Houston Dynamo will visit Clube Atletico Paranaense of Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A (Brazil) on Friday in the club's second of three preseason friendlies.

steelerfan
11-28-2013, 11:04 AM
On Thursday, Houston Dynamo announced that they have agreed to terms on contract extensions for ST Will Bruin (67 OVR) and LM Brad Davis (70 OVR). Bruin's deal ties him to the club through the 2016 season and will pay him £6,000 per week while Davis' extension keeps him in Houston through 2014 and is worth £15,000 weekly.

steelerfan
11-28-2013, 02:10 PM
Houston Dynamo fell to Atletico Paranaense in Brazil on Friday night by a final score of 4-2. After falling behind 2-0 at the half, Houston leveled the score on headers by Will Bruin (47') and Brian Boswell (58') before running out of steam and conceding twice over the final 22 minutes.

Bruin's goal came courtesy of an Omar Cummings cross and Boswell redirected a Brad Davis free kick eleven minutes later. Bruin (6.8) was named Man of the Match, for his efforts.

Houston was able to greatly increase their passing accuracy (68%) which resulted in 49% possession, both numbers better than in their first outing.

Following the match, Manager Dominic Kinnear announced that the club has agreed to a contract extension with injured CDM Ricardo Clark through 2014. The 30-year-old US National (68 OVR) will earn £7,000 weekly over the duration of the contract.

Houston will close out the preseason on Wednesday at BBVA Compass Stadium when they host French side CA Bastia of Ligue 2.

steelerfan
11-28-2013, 02:31 PM
On Wednesday morning, amid rumors that CB Jermaine Taylor has told the club that he will not re-sign with Houston, Manager Dominic Kinnear announced two more contract extensions.

CDM Servando Carrasco, 24, signed for £4,000 per week. The deal will keep Carrasco (65 OVR) with the club through 2015.

Carrasco's fellow US National, Warren Creavalle (64 OVR) agreed to terms as well. The 22-year-old CDM will earn £4,000 weekly through the duration of the deal which goes through 2016.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 12:46 AM
The bad news on Wednesday night was that Houston Dynamo fell, 1-0, to CA Bastia to finish the preseason at 0-1-2. Houston managed just 2 goals in their 3 friendlies, while conceding 5. The good news, however, was that the club had what was, statistically, their best match to date.

Houston managed 19 shots, possessed the ball for 54% of the match and completed 69% of their passes. Unfortunately, only 3 of Houston's shots were on target (15%) and it was that poor finishing that sunk their efforts.

Despite the loss, Center Back Bobby Boswell was named Man of the Match (8.0). Boswell put his only shot, a second half headed attempt from a corner, on target, while completing 29 of his 33 passes. The defender also registered 4 tackles won in 4 tries.

Following the loss, the club announced that Boswell (67 OVR) had also agreed to a 1-year extension keeping the 29-year-old with the club through 2014 at £6,000 per week.

Houston will open the 2013 campaign on Saturday, March 2. Visiting the two-time defending Eastern Conference Champions will be DC United.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 02:38 AM
At a rain-soaked BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday night, Houston Dynamo suffered a 2-1 opening night loss to DC United.

Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Houston received a spark from Omar Cummings when he blasted a 22-yard bomb into the DC net in the 65th minute to pull the home side within a goal. Houston, however, could not equalize in the final 25 minutes and failed to take a point from the visitors.

Despite being outshot 12(2) to 7(4), DC controlled the pace possessing the ball 60% of the match.

With the upcoming international break, Houston will not take the pitch again until a Sunday, March 17 clash at FC Dallas.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 02:44 AM
On Tuesday, March 5th Houston announced that 24-year-old English Striker Giles Barnes (64 OVR) has agreed to a contract extension with the club. Barnes will earn £4,000 per week on the contract which runs through 2016.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 02:52 AM
With Houston preparing to visit FC Dallas on Sunday, boss Dominic Kinnear revealed during his pre-match press conference that Ricardo Clark has begun training with the first team and could be available for selection when his side host Whitecaps FC next Saturday.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 03:01 AM
On Saturday, reports emerged that Jermaine Taylor may be reconsidering his contract refusal. Taylor told Houston Dynamo last month that he would not be re-signing with the club. Instead, said Taylor, he would play out his final season in Houston and move on.

However, according to sources close to the situation, Taylor told Manager Dominic Kinnear recently that he is "having some doubts about leaving the club".

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 04:13 AM
Brian Ching came on at the half and provided Houston Dynamo with a last gasp winner as they sacked their rivals, FC Dallas, 1-0 at Toyota Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Ching slipped a 20-yarder under the charging Dallas keeper, Chris Seitz, from the right side of the box in injury time. Mike Chabala, who came on late after Corey Ashe left with a shoulder injury, provided the assist.

Man of the Match Tally Hall (9.3), with help from defenders like Bobby Boswell (8.5) and Kofi Sarkodie (9.2), kept a Clean Sheet against Dallas and league-leading scorer Kevin Cooper who started the day with 4 goals in 3 league matches. Hall was credited with ten saves in the win as Dallas outshot Houston 13(7) to 8(3) while holding a 61-39 possession advantage.

More good news came after the match for Houston. The injuries to Ashe, Jermaine Taylor and Servando Carrasco are not considered serious and should not cause them to miss any time.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 04:29 AM
On Wednesday, Houston announced the signing of 16-year-old American goalkeeper Ryan Jeffrey to their Youth Academy. Jeffrey stands 6'0" and weighs 156 lbs.

Houston are preparing for Saturday's home fixture with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Ricardo Clark, who has been training fully since the 8th, is expected to make his season debut for the home side.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 05:48 AM
In a very evenly played match on Saturday night, Man of the Match Tally Hall (9.4) made ten saves and kept a second consecutive Clean Sheet as Houston and Vancouver played to a nil-nil draw at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Houston also got standout performances from Brad Davis (8.4), Jermaine Taylor (8.9), Kifo Sarkodie (8.1) and Ricardo Clark (9.4) who made his season debut after fully recovering from a broken tailbone that he suffered late last season.

Houston held a slight shakhtar in shots at 10(2) to 9(3) while Whitecaps FC had a 53-47 possession edge. Aside from poor finishing and 5 offsides calls, boss Dominic Kinnear felt his was the better side in the draw.

Houston Dynamo (1-1-1) will host San Jose Earthquakes (0-3-1) next Saturday.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 05:58 AM
Tally Hall, Corey Ashe, Jermaine Taylor, Kofi Sarkodie and Ricardo Clark of Houston Dynamo have been named to the MLS Team of the Week.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 08:01 AM
Conceding in the 78th minute, Houston Dynamo dropped a 1-0 result against San Jose at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday night. Marvin Chavez beat Tally Hall after a scramble ensued when Hall failed to parry a San Jose shot to safety. The goal was the first allowed by Hall since the 43rd minute of the opener against DC United; a span of more than 305 minutes.

Houston closes the month of March at 1-1-2 which has them sitting in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, with a game in hand over three of the clubs they trail. Sporting Kansas City lead the conference at 2-3-0, while Real Salt Lake lead the West at 3-2-0.

Houston will visit Portland next Saturday.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 08:27 AM
CDM Ricardo Clark has received MLS Team of the Week honors for the second consecutive week. The US National has made 2 appearances for Houston this season following a long rehab process that followed a broken tailbone which he suffered late last season.

steelerfan
11-29-2013, 08:11 PM
Houston lost at Portland Saturday night, conceding twice in the second half (51', 81'). While Jeld-Wen Field is certainly a tough ground for any visiting club, the real concern for Dominic Kinnear is Houston's inability to finish.

Through 5 matches (1-1-3) Houston Dynamo have scored just 2 goals. The lack of production up front has certainly been a concern and it won't be an easy fix for Kinnear.

Houston has a ful week off before hosting Chicago Fire (2-0-2) st BBVA Compass Stadium next Sunday.

steelerfan
11-30-2013, 01:08 AM
Another match, another loss for Houston Dynamo on Sunday afternoon. This time, at least, a little offense for Houston. Oscar Boniek Garcia scored his first of the season rifling a blistering shot from the right side of the six-yard box into the left side of the net at 28'.

From there, Houston failed to finish on numerous chances and Chicago capitalized with goals at 36' and 67' to secure the three points, 2-1.

Houston (1-1-4) will visit Toronto (2-4-0) next Saturday.

steelerfan
11-30-2013, 11:56 AM
Conceding twice after the 80-minute mark, Houston lost again. This time it was a 3-1 result at BMO Field in Toronto.

Will Bruin headed in a Brad Davis corner in the 48th minute for Dynamo's lone score. Despite the result, Houston did manage thirteen shots, including 5 on target.

Houston (1-1-5) will host Colorado Rapids (2-3-3) next Sunday at BBVA Compass Stadium.

steelerfan
11-30-2013, 11:38 PM
A fifth consecutive loss for Houston Dynamo was more of the same on Sunday afternoon at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Houston held a 15-8 shot advantage but could only put two off their fifteen shots on target. This sort of terrible finishing has plagued the club throughout their run of poor form.

Houston must find a way to begin testing the opposing keepers in order to turn the tide of a season that is quickly heading toward leaving the club out of the playoffs.

To make matters worse in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Colorado, the only goal conceded followed a questionable penalty. Jermaine Taylor was whistled just inside the area in the 7th minute allowing Colorado the opportunity twelve yards which Vicente Sanchez converted.

As the month of April comes to a close Houston (1-1-6) find themselves ninth in the Eastern Conference just one point ahead of last-placed Philadelphia Union (0-3-5) and 9 points out of a playoff spot.

Sporting Kansas City (6-3-0) remain atop the East with 21 points. In the West Real Salt Lake (6-2-1) still leads with 20 points.

Dominic Kinnear's side will hope that the month of May will bring better days. Houston opens the month on Sunday the 5th as they travel to face LA Galaxy (4-1-3). The two-time defending MLS Cup winners, LA have beaten Houston Dynamo in the two most recent MLS Cup Finals.

steelerfan
11-30-2013, 11:51 PM
In his pre-match press conference, ahead of Sunday's clash with LA Galaxy, Dynamo boss Dominic Kinnear praised LA for their balance and stressed that his side must get an early goal to ease some of the pressure of facing an experienced club on their ground.

Kinnear also mentioned that center back Eric Brunner, who broke his ankle in the preseason opener back in February, is back in training. The club, according to Kinnear, is targeting May 18th's home clash with New England Revolution as Brunner's return, and season debut, date.

steelerfan
12-01-2013, 01:10 AM
The slide continued on Sunday evening for Houston Dynamo, losing to LA Galaxy at StubHub Center, 2-0.

Houston hit a new low, failing to put a single shot on target in seven tries. Despite being competitive in shook statistical catagories and possessing the ball 52% of the ninety, Houston again could not find any finishing touch.

Houston Dynamo (1-1-7) will travel to the nation's capital on Wednesday night for a clash with DC United (3-1-4). DC were victorious, 2-1, in Houston on opening night.

steelerfan
12-01-2013, 02:45 AM
Houston Dynamo struck first, for a change, at a rainy RFK Stadium when Alexander Lopez took a through ball from Oscar Boniek Garcia and struck from eleven yards in the fifth minute. However, DC United took a 2-1 lead to the dressing room at the half and another Dynamo defeat looked to be 45 minutes away.

The savior for Houston turned out to be Will Bruin. Bruin produced a second half double (69', 88') each time heading an Omar Cummings cross into the DC net. A last gasp effort was denied by Tally Hall and Houston took three points, 3-2.

The win snapped a 6-game losing steak for Houston.

Houston got top-flight performances from Bruin (9.1), Boniek Garcia (8.6), Lopez (8.9), Cummings (8.6) as well as Bobby Boswell (9.4). Possessing the ball for just 37% of the match, Dynamo shooters made the most of their opportunities by putting 4 of 8 shots on target.

Houston (2-1-7) will host Eastern Conference leading Sporting Kansas City (8-3-0) on Sunday.

steelerfan
12-01-2013, 04:12 AM
Sporting Kansas City made it eight wins in a row, but Houston Dynamo can hold their heads high after a gritty performance at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Houston possessed the ball for 57% of the match and outshot this visitors 11(4) to 6(3). Houston's lobe goal came after KC had built a 2-0 halftime lead. After a handball call in the area, Brad Davis converted from the spot into the top right corner in the 50th minute to pull Houston to within a goal.

Though Houston poured it on in the final forty, KC escaped with the points, 2-1.

Ricardo Clark (8.8) dictated much of the contest's pace from the defensive midfield and was named Man of the Match, in defeat.

Next up for Houston (2-1-8) is a home date with New England Revolution (2-3-5) on Saturday.

JBHuskers
12-02-2013, 09:42 AM
http://kaydaily.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/donald-trump-1.jpg

steelerfan
12-02-2013, 10:10 AM
A last gasp equalizer earned Houston a 1-1 draw on Saturday night against visiting New England. Eric Brunner, making his season debut after breaking his ankle during a preseason friendly, made his impact felt in the dying embers of injury time, heading a Brad Davis corner on target.

Brunner's looping re-direction just beat diving keeper Bobby Shuttleworth. At that point, Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell, who was defending the post, lept to head the ball from danger. Instead, the ball caromed off of Shuttleworth's outstretched arms and into the New England goal. Caldwell was dubiously credited with an own goal, for his efforts.

Houston midfielder Ricardo Clark (6.8) was, once again, named Man of the Match. Clark has been a consistent force for Dominic Kinnear in the defensive midfield, even in the club's worst times.

Houston Dynamo will host Colorado Rapids on Tuesday night as both clubs enter Round 2 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Colorado were victorious, 1-0, at BBVA Compass Stadium on April 28.

steelerfan
12-03-2013, 01:04 AM
After his initial attempt was blocked by a sliding Jermaine Taylor, Colorado Rapids Midfielder Vicente Sanchez sent the rebound past a sprawling Tally Hall providing the difference in Colorado's 1-0 Extra Time victory on Tuesday night.

The match's lone goal came in the 109th minute and eliminated Houston Dynamo from the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Houston (2-2-8) will visit Sporting Kansas City (9-3-1), who lead the Eastern Conference with 30 points, on Sunday May 26th. Kansas City were 2-1 winners in Houston, two weeks prior.

steelerfan
12-03-2013, 04:16 AM
Houston Dynamo delivered a shock result at Sporting Park on Sunday afternoon. Houston, behind a penalty conversion by captain Brad Davis in the 37th minute, were 1-0 winners over Sporting Kansas City.

Houston got brilliant performances from their backline. Corey Ashe (7.9), Jermaine Taylor (8.8), Bobby Boswell (8.7) and Kofi Sarkodie provided the tackles, blocks, and clearances while Keeper Tally Hall (8.6) made 9 saves to keep an improbable clean sheet.

Having gone 2-1-1 in their last 4 league matches, Houston (3-2-8) have moved into 8th place in the Eastern Conference to finish the month of May.

Sporting Kansas City (9-3-2) have lost consecutive league clashes after opening the season with 12 games without defeat. KC find themselves leading the East, 7 points clear of Chicago who have 3 games in hand.

In the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake (8-3-2) still lead, 4 points clear of LA and 5 ahead of Seattle.

Houston will open the month of June on Saturday the 1st when they visit Columbus Crew (5-2-4) who currently hold the fifth and final playoff spot in the East.

steelerfan
12-03-2013, 04:23 AM
Houston Dynamo's Jermaine Taylor, Kofi Sarkodie, and Ricardo Clark have been named to the MLS Team of the Week.

Sporting KC's Jimmy Nielsen was named MLS Player of the Month for May.

steelerfan
12-04-2013, 06:35 AM
Houston improved to 3-1-1 in their last 5 league matches on Saturday afternoon at Columbus Crew Stadium. A 1-0 result was earned through a 66th minute 2-on-0. Will Bruin created the opportunity, intercepting a Crew pass near midfield. As Bruin raced toward the opposing net, he was joined by Oscar Boniek Garcia and Bruin delivered a pass to Boniek as they entered the penalty area. Boniek did the rest, slipping a 12-yard shot under the keeper for the match's lone goal.

Tally Hall kept his 4th league clean sheet and Houston Dynamo left Columbus with a 1-0 win and 3 points.

Following the upcoming international break, Houston will visit Montreal Impact on Wednesday the 19th. As Houston (4-2-8) continues their push for a playoff spot they trail Montreal (4-5-5) and DC United (5-2-8), who are level at 17 points and tied for 6th in the East, by just 3 points. Dynamo are 8 points behind Columbus who hold the coveted 5th spot.

steelerfan
12-04-2013, 08:02 AM
Houston Dynamo laid a disappointing egg on Wednesday night in Montreal, losing 3-1.

Brad Davis vollied a deflected Oscar Boniek Garcia cross for Dynamo's lone goal, in the 70th minute, cutting what had been a 2-0 halftime deficit in half. But an 89th minute Montreal goal, via a corner kick, sealed Houston's fate.

Houston will host Toronto FC on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium. Toronto (7-7-0), currently 3rd in the East, are the only unbeaten club remaining in MLS and they earned a 3-1 win over Houston on their home ground on April 20.

In other news, following reports that Jermaine Taylor has told the team that he is willing to re-open contract talks, his camp has confirmed that he is negotiating a new deal with Houston.

steelerfan
12-04-2013, 10:08 AM
A1-1 draw was the result at BBVA Compass Stadium between Houston Dynamo and and Toronto FC.

Andrew Driver put Houston ahead in the 38th minute by chipping home a rebound that caromed off the crossbar and was not parried clear by the keeper, after Bobby Boswell headed a Brad Davis corner. However, Toronto pulled level in the 72nd minute to keep their unbeaten run of 15 matches alive to start the season.

Boswell (9.5) was named Man of the Match for his efforts in defense.

Houston (4-3-9) will visit New York Red Bulls (6-8-3) on Sunday.

steelerfan
12-04-2013, 10:12 AM
After more than 3 months of combative negotiations, Houston Dynamo have extended the contract of Jamaican defender Jermaine Taylor (68 OVR), the club announced on Thursday. Taylor, 28, will be paid £6,000 per week on the deal which runs through 2015.

steelerfan
12-05-2013, 04:56 PM
A 4-2 loss was the result of Houston's trip to New York to take on Red Bulls. A total of 36 shots in the match, including 14 on target, paced an exciting contest.

Houston got goals from Jason Johnson (19') making his season-debut, and Omar Cummings (81') who came on late for Johnson. Oscar Boniek Garcia was credited with the assist on Johnson's goal, while Brad Davis sent in the corner that Cummings headed in late.

Houston (4-3-10) finished the month of June with 15 points, in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Sporting Kansas City (11-3-4) continue to lead the East, while Seattle Sounders FC (12-1-3) have pulled level on points with Real Salt Lake (11-4-4).

Houston will open the month of July on Saturday the 6th with a home date with Philadelphia Union. Philadelphia (0-6-12) are bottom of the East table and are the league's only winless club.

steelerfan
12-06-2013, 06:29 AM
Houston Dynamo controlled the pace of the match on Saturday night at BBVA Compass but were unable to get the 3 points, drawing with Philadelphia Union 0-0.

Houston held a 55-45 possession advantage and outshot the visitors 16(7) to 7(1).

Despite the statistical advantage, a lack of quality finishing forced Houston to rely on the defending of the likes of Man of the Match Bobby Boswell (7.6) to help Tally Hall, who had 7 saves, register his 5th league clean sheet.

Houston (4-4-10) will travel to Gillette Stadium next Saturday for another lower-table clash, facing New England Revolution (3-5-9). The two sides drew, 1-1, on May 18 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

steelerfan
12-06-2013, 10:33 AM
Poor finishing, a lack of possession, and 2 horrid clearing attempts doomed Houston Dynamo to a 2-1 loss at Gillette Stadium on Saturday.

After New England Revolution built a 2-0 lead Servando Carrasco fired a 13-yard laser into the New England net in the 62nd minute for Houston's only goal. Dynamo put just 3 of 15 shots on target in the match.

steelerfan
12-07-2013, 06:39 AM
Houston Dynamo (4-4-11) will host Chicago Fire (11-4-4) on Saturday, July 27, to close out the month. Chicago were 2-1 winners at BBVA Compass Stadium on April 14.

steelerfan
12-07-2013, 07:54 AM
Houston Dynamo scripted a shock result on Saturday night, defeating Chicago Fire 2-1 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Houston outshot Chicago 16(6) to 6(2), getting goals from Omar Cummings (71') and Brad Davis (90' pen). Chicago's lone score was a last-gasp effort in stoppage time, trailing 2-0.

Davis (7.1), who assisted on Cummings' goal, was named Man of the Match for his efforts.

Houston finished the month of July, slipping to ninth in the Eastern Conference at 5-4-11 and are ten points from the final playoff spot.

Sporting Kansas City (13-5-4) still lead the East, while LA Galaxy (13-4-6) are the new Western Conference frontrunners.

Houston will open a busy month of August (7 matches during the month) when they host Columbus Crew (7-5-9) on Saturday the 3rd. Houston were 1-0 winners at Columbus Crew Stadium on June 1st and will visit Columbus again on the 28th.

steelerfan
12-07-2013, 08:00 AM
Midfielder Brad Davis, Houston's captain, was named to the MLS Team of the Week.

steelerfan
12-07-2013, 04:52 PM
Who woke up Giles Barnes?

Houston featured Barnes up front in the second half of Saturday night's clash with Columbus Crew at BBVA Compass Stadium and Barnes delivered with a Man of the Match performance.

Barnes (6.9) put six of his ten shots on target, scoring twice. In the 55th minute, Barnes headed in a Omar Cummings cross from a right wing set piece and, in the 59th, he chipped one over a sprawling keeper from 8 yards after taking a through ball from Oscar Boniek Garcia.

Barnes' goals erased a 1-0 Crew lead and gave Houston a thrilling 2-1 result.

In a game that featured ten corners, Columbus had more of the ball (55%) but it was Dynamo who were more clinical. Houston had a decided advantage in shots on target, outshooting Columbus 18(9) to 15(4) and their persistence paid off with the 3 points.

Houston (6-4-11) have moved back into eighth in the Eastern Conference and will visit Real Salt Lake (11-6-6) next Saturday.

steelerfan
12-08-2013, 08:18 AM
A furious final 5 minutes at Rio Tinto Stadium saw several chances for Houston Dynamo go unfulfilled as Real Salt Lake held on for a 2-1 result.

Houston, trailing 1-0, equalized in the 70th minute as Brad Davis took a through ball in the area from Ricardo Clark and rifled a shot into the top right corner from thirteen yards.

However, just seven minutes later, RSL regained the lead setting up the frantic finish that included Houston's Kifo Sarkodie hitting the crossbar from nineteen yards in injury time.

Houston (6-4-12) will visit winless Philadelphia Union (0-8-16) on Wednesday night.

steelerfan
12-09-2013, 02:12 PM
In a season that has been filled with lows for Houston Dynamo, they may have hit rock bottom on Wednesday night at PPL Park.

A penalty call against goalkeeper Tally Hall in the 42nd minute was converted and Philadelphia Union made it stand as the winner, beating Houston 1-0. Philadelphia came in to the match with 0 wins and just 6 draws in their first 24 matches, including a 0-0 result at Houston.

Dynamo outshot the opposition 18(7) to 7(2) but could not find that finishing touch on a night of frustration for Dominic Kinnear's side. One has to wonder what the immediate future holds for Kinnear at Houston, with a club that has won back-to-back Eastern Conference Championships but now languishes near the bottom of the table.

Houston (6-4-13) will be afforded little time to make adjustments as they host Seattle Sounders at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday. Seattle (13-4-5) are level on points with LA Galaxy for the top spot in the Western Conference, with 2 games in hand. Both Seattle and LA are just 1 point clear of Real Salt Lake.

steelerfan
12-09-2013, 07:19 PM
Houston Dynamo earned a thrilling 3-2 result over Seattle Sounders on Saturday night at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Trailing 1-0 Will Bruin struck in the 45th minute from 7 yards to level the match at the half.

Houston would enjoy a short-lived lead when Brian Boswell headed in a Brad Davis corner in the 69th minute, but Seattle leveled the score just one minute later.

Giles Barnes, who came on in the 74th minute, provided the match decider in the 86th minute. Barnes took a Jermaine Taylor delivery and split 4 defenders before finessing the ball, on the short side, from the top left corner of the 6-yard box into the Seattle net.

Brian Boswell (7.2) earned Man of the Match honors with a stellar two-way performance.

Next up, Houston (7-4-13) will host New York Red Bulls (12-10-4). New York were 4-2 winners over Dynamo at Red Bull Arena on June 30th.

steelerfan
12-10-2013, 11:40 AM
New York's Bradley Wright-Phillips put a penalty kick off of the outside of the left post in the 23rd minute and Red Bulls never seemed to recover on Wednesday night at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Will Bruin recorded a goal (30') and an assist in leading Houston Dynamo to a shock 2-0 result over New York.

Bruin fired a shot into the bottom left corner from 17 yards, after taking a pass from Ricardo Clark. In the second half, a 78th minute exchange between Bruin and Alexander Lopez, on the counter, resulted in a put-away first touch screamer from twelve yards for Lopez.

For his defensive efforts, Eric Brunner (7.7) earned Man of the Match honors in Houston's convincing victory. Brunner was part of a backline that kept Tally Hall relatively clean. Hall made just 3 saves, in keeping his sixth league clean sheet.

Houston was far more aggressive than was New York in the match. Houston registered 45 tackles to just 18 for the visitors. Dynamo also held a large edge in shooting. Houston put 8 of their 19 shots on target while New York only managed 7 shots with 3 on target.

Houston (8-4-13) will visit fifth-placed Montreal Impact (8-10-7) on Saturday. Houston trails Montreal, who holds the last playoff spot by six points. Dynamo were 3-1 losers in Montreal on June 19.

steelerfan
12-10-2013, 06:31 PM
A second trip to Saputo Stadium did not yield a different result for Houston Dynamo on Saturday night in Montreal.

With a lineup that featured several reserves because of the recent fixture pileup, Houston conceded twice in the second half. The 2-0 loss featured the season debuts of striker Cam Weaver and goalkeeper Tyler Deric.

Houston was impressive, statistically: 55% possession, 23 shots, 9 on target, 32 tackles, 6 corners - usually more than enough for a result. Not on this night.

Houston (8-4-14) will close out the month of August at Columbus Crew Stadium on Wednesday night. Columbus (10-5-11) lost to Houston, at home, on August 3rd, 2-1 and were 1-0 winners in Houston on June 1st.

steelerfan
12-10-2013, 09:03 PM
Another 2-0 loss was the result for Houston Dynamo on Wednesday night in Columbus.

In very sloppy, rainy conditions, Houston failed to convert on any of their 13 shots, while putting just 3 on target. Columbus, on the other hand, put 6 of 15 on target and were able to find the back of the net on two occasions.

Center Forward Federico Higuain turned a pair of Houston penalties (27', 54') into the night's only goals, powering home a double from the spot.

Columbus also dominated possession, with 57%, and were a sparkling 82% passing compared to Houston's less-than-stellar 62%.

Houston finish the month of August no better than they began it. Dynamo sit eighth in the East, nine points from playoff positioning. With only 7 matches remaining, Dominic Kinnear's side is very unlikely to see the postseason.

Through August, Sporting Kansas City (16-7-4) are atop the Eastern Conference table while LA Galaxy (17-4-7) are the West leaders.

Houston (8-4-15) will open September with a visit to Chicago Fire (15-6-6) on Sunday the 1st. The clubs split a pair of 2-1 results in Houston on April 14 and July 27.

steelerfan
12-12-2013, 10:36 AM
A third consecutive defeat, this one a 4-1 thrashing against Chicago Fire, was how Houston Dynamo opened the month of September on Sunday.

Brad Davis converted from the penalty spot in first half injury time giving Houston a 1-0 lead at the break. But Chicago flexed it's muscle in the second half with goals at 52', 70', 73' and 82' to submit the visitors.

Following the upcoming international break, Houston (8-4-16) will host Chivas USA (10-12-7) on Saturday the 21st.

steelerfan
12-14-2013, 12:12 AM
Houston fell at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday night,marking their 4 straight loss. Chivas USA were 1-0 winners, with the match's only goal coming in the 69th minute.

Houston (8-4-17) will visit New England Revolution (7-6-16) next Saturday. The sides drew in Houston, 1-1, on May 18 and New England were 2-1 winners at Gillette Stadium on July 13.

steelerfan
12-16-2013, 02:00 AM
Houston Dynamo were able to stop the bleeding, if for just one night, with a 1-0 win at Gillette Stadium over New England Revolution.

Just 7 minutes in, Houston striker Will Bruin drew a red card on New England keeper Bobby Shuttleworth after a poor challenge prevented a clear opportunity for the Dynamo forward.

New England chose to replace Shuttleworth by substituting center back AJ Soares out and bringing backup keeper Luis Sofner on. Brad Davis then converted from the spot for the match's lone goal.

Sofner (7.9) made a total of 18 saves and, despite Houston continuously cutting through a depleted backline, kept the visitors' result in doubt for the full 90. Houston put 6 of their 18 shots on target but Sofner was continuously up to task.

For Houston, Tally Hall made 11 saves in keeping a clean sheet.

Houston enter October, the final month of the season, at 9-4-17 and remain in eighth place in the Eastern Conference table. The East is led by Sporting Kansas City (20-7-4), while the Western Conference leaders are Seattle Sounders FC (19-6-7).

Houston will host Montreal Impact (12-10-9) on Friday the 4th. Houston lost the two previous matches with Impact, both in Montreal, 3-1 on June 19th and 2-0 on August 24.

steelerfan
12-17-2013, 12:56 AM
Houston got a second consecutive 1-0 result and, again, the only goal was scored from the penalty spot in the first half by Brad Davis.

This time, Davis converted in the 34th minute. The attempt was the result of a handball committed after Davis crossed in a free kick toward Will Bruin from the right flank.

Houston kept Montreal on the defensive throughout the match, possessing the ball 53% and outshooting Impact 22(9) to 6(2).

Center back Eric Brunner suffered a bruised elbow and boss Dominic Kinnear said Brunner is, "day to day, but will likely miss some time."

Houston's slim playoff hopes remain alive as they prepare to host Sporting Kansas City (21-7-4) on Tuesday night. The sides split their first two meetings this year with the road club taking each match 2-1 in Houston on May 12 and 1-0 in Kansas City on May 26.

steelerfan
12-21-2013, 08:29 PM
Despite a valiant effort, Houston Dynamo officially bowed out of the playoff race on Tuesday night, losing to Sporting Kansas City 1-0 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Though Dynamo picked up the pace late on, they were outshot 15(7) to 10(2). KC also held a slight possession advantage (52%), with Oriol Rossell heading in the difference-maker in the 80th minute.

Tuesday night also saw New York Red Bulls win the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 2-0 result over DC United.

Houston (10-4-18) will host New York (14-10-8) on Sunday the 20th. The clubs split the first two meetings, with the home side winning each: 4-2 in New York on June 30 and 2-0 in Houston on August 21.

steelerfan
12-21-2013, 08:46 PM
On Thursday, October 10, Houston announced the extension of midfielder Alex Dixon's (62 OVR) contract. The new deal will pay the 23-year-old £3,000 per week and ties the US National to the club through the 2017 season.

The club also announced that US goalkeeper Ryan Jeffrey (53 OVR) was signed to a 2 year deal (through 2015). Jeffery, 17, joins the senior club from Houston's youth academy.

steelerfan
12-22-2013, 02:44 AM
Jason Johnson struck in stoppage time to help Houston Dynamo earn a 1-1 draw with New York on Sunday at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Johnson vollied a Kofi Sarkodie cross from six yards for the last-gasp equalizer after coming on for Brian Ching in the 84th minute.

For Ching, who has announced his plans to retire at season's end, it was his final home game. In a gesture of gratitude, boss Dominic Kinnear allowed the veteran striker one final feature in front of the home supporters after being left out of the team for most of the season.

Houston (10-5-18) will close out a disappointing 2013 campaign next Sunday with a visit to DC United (13-5-15). Houston opened the season with a 2-1 home loss to DC on March 2 and and were 3-2 winners in the nation's capital on May 8.

steelerfan
12-22-2013, 03:10 AM
In what most pundits believe will be boss Dominic Kinnear's final match in charge of Houston Dynamo, Houston were 1-0 losers at DC United on Sunday. The loss closes out a miserable season that saw the two-time defending Eastern Conference Champions finish eighth in the conference table at 10-5-19.

Houston struggled tremendously all season, with regards to their finishing. The club managed just 30 goals, while conceding 47, in league play. Midfielder, and captain, Brad Davis led the club with 8 goals and 4 assists while goalkeeper Tally Hall kept 8 clean sheets. Only midfielder Oscar Boniek Garcia and center back Bobby Boswell featured in all 34 of the club's league matches.

Final 2013 MLS Tables

Eastern Conference
1. Sporting KC 74
2. Chicago 65
3. New York 54

4. Montreal 49
5. DC United 47

6. Columbus 43
7. Toronto 43
8. Houston 35
9, New England 28
10. Philadelphia 19

Western Conference
1. LA Galaxy 70
2. Sounders FC 63
3. FC Dallas 56

4. Real Salt Lake 53
5. Chivas USA 49

6. Portland 42
7. Colorado 41
8. San Jose 41
9. Whitecaps FC 16

steelerfan
12-22-2013, 03:17 AM
2013 MLS Statistical Leaders

Golden Boot
1. Donovan (LA) 16
1. Wondolowski (SJ) 16
3. Magee (Chi) 14
3. Bieler (KC) 14
5. 3 with 13

Assists
1. Zusi (KC) 9
1. Villarreal (LA) 9
3. Donovan (LA) 8
3. Higuain (CMB) 8
5. Cooper (DAL) 7

Golden Glove
1. Nielsen (KC) 12
2. Gspurning (SEA) 11
3. Rimando (RSL) 10
3. Penedo (LA) 10
5. 3 with 9

steelerfan
12-22-2013, 03:43 AM
MLS Playoff Round Results

Montreal 2:1 DC United

Real Salt Lake 3:1 Chivas USA



MLS Conference Semi-Finals Results

FC Dallas 1:2 Sounders FC
Sounders FC 2:0 FC Dallas
(Seattle wins on aggregate, 4-1)

Montreal Impact 1:1 Sporting KC
Sporting KC 2:1 Montreal Impact
(Kansas City wins on aggregate, 3-2)

NY Red Bulls 1:0 Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire 2:3 NY Red Bulls
(New York wins on aggregate, 4-2)

Real Salt Lake 1:1 LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy 4:2 Real Salt Lake
(Los Angeles wins on aggregate, 5-3)



MLS Conference Championships Results

NY Red Bulls 2:1 Sporting KC
Sporting KC 3:1 NY Red Bulls
(Kansas City wins on aggregate, 4-3)

Sounders FC 2:2 LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy 1:1 Sounders FC
(Los Angeles wins on road goals, 2-1)



2013 MLS Cup Final

Sporting KC 1:2 LA Galaxy

steelerfan
12-22-2013, 03:52 AM
Houston Dynamo have extended the contract of defensive midfielder Servando Carrasco (67 OVR). The new deal will tie him to the club through 2016 and pays 6,000 per week.

The club has also locked up attacking midfielder Alexander Lopez (70 OVR) though 2017 for 15,000 per week. The deal makes Lopez the second highest paid player with the club, alongside Brad Davis, behind only Oscar Boniek Garcia.

steelerfan
12-22-2013, 04:51 AM
On January 23, 2014 Dominic Kinnear announced that he was leaving Houston Dynamo to join Sligo Rovers Football Club of the Republic of Ireland's Airtricity League. Rovers (9-10-5) are currently 5th in the 12-team table, 9 points behind league leaders Dundalk.

The 'Bit o' Red' began playing football in 1928 and were 3rd in the league last season. They joined the League of Ireland in 1934, are owned by the people of Sligo, and have played at The Showgrounds since their inception. They recently won a third Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup (FAI Cup) in four years and in the season previous to this recent cup win became the 2012 Premier Division Champions.

In total they have won three league titles, five FAI Cups and two League cups. The club has made 2 appearances in the UEFA Champions League and 3 appearances in the UEFA Europa League. They have never won a match in either competition. Their only win in a European competition came in the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winner's Cup in 1994-95 when they eliminated Floriana, 3-2 on aggregate, in the Qualifying Round.

steelerfan
12-22-2013, 08:18 AM
Dominic Kinnear had his Sligo debut spoiled late on as Rovers conceded in the 88th minute at Limerick to lose 1-0.

Danny Ventre fed a through ball to Aaron Greene which Greene struck from a spot between the left elbows of the six and eighteen yard boxes and into the top right corner of the Limerick net for Sligo's only goal of the match.

Sligo (9-10-6) will close out the month of January on Friday the 31st with a trip to Shamrock Rovers (11-12-2).

steelerfan
12-24-2013, 07:56 PM
Dominic Kinnear earned his first win with Sligo, beating Shamrock Rovers 1-0.

The match featured just 18 shots with Sligo Rovers putting 5 of their 12 on target. Kieran Djilali slotted the match winner into the lower right corner at 52 minutes, taking a pass from Aaron Greene.

Meanwhile, center back Gavin Pears (7.4) earned Man of the Match honors with 5 successful tackles, 5 interceptions and a pair of clearances.

Sligo Rovers (10-10-6) will visit St.Patrick's Athletic (14-6-6) to open February, following the upcoming international break, on Saturday the 15th. St. Pat's are top of the league, while Sligo are fifth in the table.

steelerfan
12-25-2013, 03:44 AM
Sligo and St. Pat's played to a scoreless draw on Saturday evening.

Sligo Rovers dominated the match, outshooting the opposition 16(7) to 2(0) but they could not finish and grab the three points. Sligo keeper Gary Rogers made 6 saves in keeping his eleventh league clean sheet.

(Note: I need to use this ref again. McDillon, I think. There were 13 fouls, 5 yellow cards and 6 offsides calls.)

Sligo (10-11-6) will finish an abbreviated February schedule with a home match against Shelbourne FC (5-3-19) on Friday the 28th.

steelerfan
12-25-2013, 07:54 PM
Sligo Rovers put on another dominating performance on Friday night and this time they got the result to go with it.

With bottom-of-the-table Shelbourne in town, Sligo were 2-0 winners after outshooting their opposition 16(7) to 7(1) allowing Gary Rogers to keep his twelfth clean sheet of the season.

Aaron Greene lobbed a through ball to the 18-yard line and David Cawley struck a looping volley over the keeper and just under the crossbar at 35' to get Rovers on the board. In the 54th minute, it was Danny Ventre's turn as the midfielder struck from 14 yards to make it 2-0.

Gavin Pears had a second Man of the Match performance in three outings, intercepting 9 passes while completing 80% of his own.

CAM Lee Lynch suffered a hyper-extended knee and is expected to miss three weeks.

Sligo (11-11-6) remain fifth in the League of Ireland table, 8 points behind leaders, St. Patrick's Athletic and Derry City. Rovers will visit third-placed Dundalk (14-9-5) on March 7 in a crucial match for Sligo's hopes of qualifying for Europe.

steelerfan
01-01-2014, 03:10 AM
Conceding twice in the second half, Sligo let Pascal Millien's 14th minute strike go to waste with a 2-1 defeat at Dundalk.

Millien took an Aaron Greene through ball into the attacking third and sprinted on goal eventually sending the ball to the bottom left corner of the Dundalk net from 14 yards out for Rovers' only goal.

Sligo, following a full 3 weeks off, will host Dundalk on the 29th in the quarter finals of the FAI Cup.

steelerfan
01-01-2014, 10:28 PM
Sligo turned the tables on Dundalk on Friday night, eliminating them from the FAI Cup 2-1.

Anthony Elding (9') and Aaron Greene (28') gave Dominic Kinnear's side a 2-0 lead before Keith Ward struck a 29 yard free kick in the 35th minute to cut the deficit in half for Dundalk.

The heavy rains contributed to keeping both sides off of the scoreboard in the second half as Sligo held on for the win.

Sligo will next visit Derry City twice in four days in mid-April. On the 15th, the clubs will play in the semi finals of the FAI Cup, then on the 18th they will clash in a league match. Sligo (11-11-7) remain in 5th in the league table while Derry City (14-13-2) top the league with 55 points.

The two previous league fixtures between the sides have produced a Derry City win (2-0 on August 23 at Derry City) and a draw at Sligo (1-1 on November 22).

steelerfan
01-02-2014, 03:24 AM
Daniel North struck from 9 yards in the 108th minute giving Sligo a 1-0 lead and an apparent trip to the FAI Cup Final. However, just one minute later, Derry City equalized when Sligo's Ross Gaynor sent an attempted corner clearance into the chest of teammate David Cawley.

Derry City's Ryan McBride controlled the lose ball and slotted it past Gary Rogers, leveling the score at 1.

The match would eventually be decided by a penalty shootout which Derry City won, 3-0, eliminating Sligo despite the Rovers outshooting the league-leading home side 25(10) to 10(2).

Sligo striker Aaron Greene came off in the 29th minute after suffering a bruised elbow which boss Dominic Kinnear says will sideline Greene for a week to ten days.

Derry City move on to face Shamrock Rovers who booted Bray Wanderers 4-0 in the other semi final.