Dynamo Champions
Houston defeats New England, 2-1, in soccer finale
Houston Dynamo captain Wade Barrett holds up the Alan I. Rothenberg Trophy, after the Dynamo won the Major League Soccer championship in Washington, D.C., Sunday, November 18, 2007. (Photo: Chuck Myers/MCT)
The Houston Dynamo won its fourth championship in seven years on Sunday, defeating the New England Revolution, 2-1. It was the fourth championship defeat for the Revolution.
Dynamo midfielder Dwyane DeRosario scored the game-winning goal in the 74th minute to help secure the win for the defending champs. The Dynamo's four wins include two as the San Jose Earthquakes. The team moved to Houston, Texas, last year.
The 29-year-old DeRosario started the Dynamo's fabulous run of championship wins in 2001. He connected for an extra-time goal that snatched the title from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
"They're both special moments with special teammates," said DeRosario, who also played on the 2003 and 2006 championship teams.
The wins have not been easy. In the past two MLS Cups, Houston was forced to come back from one-goal deficits.
"We proved our will to win," DeRosario said. "This has never been a group that gives up. I wouldn't want to win with any other team."
And the Dynamo wouldn't want to try without him. The Canadian-born player earned MVP honors for his game performance.
DeRosario brought two of his children to the postgame press conference. Basking in their father's glory were 10-year-old daughter, Asha, and 6-year-old son, Osaze, who carried the MVP trophy.
Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear said the honor was well-deserved.
"He's getting his just rewards on what he brings to the game," Kinnear said. "He has a flair for the dramatic. He scores great goals."
Game Highlights
Taylor Twellman gave the Revolution the lead in the first half. But his tally in the 20tth minute of the game ended up being the last for the Revolution. DeRosario and the Dynamo took center stage in the 61st minute.
A right wing pass from Brad Davis glanced off the head of Revolution defender Avery John to DeRosario on the left side of the penalty area. DeRosario sent the ball to Joseph Ngwenya, who eluded Avery. While he was sliding to the ground, Ngwenya slotted the ball past goalkeeper Matt Reis.
The winning score came in the 74th minute when DeRosario headed in a cross from Davis.
"I can't believe he scored with his head because he never does in practice," Kinnear said.
DeRosario said the goal "was more instinct that anything. I would normally volley it, but I decided to head it in, and luckily it went in."
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTION
Are you a fan Major League Soccer? What do you think the league can do to make soccer more popular among sports fans in the United States?
Join a discussion of this topic on our bulletin board.
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTION
Read today’s story and answer the following question.
| Are you a fan Major League Soccer? What do you think the league can do to make soccer more popular among sports fans in the United States? Join a discussion of this question on our bulletin board. | |
- Teacher Store
-
Athlete Biographies
The Teacher Store 
Athlete Biographies
A complete list of the titles in this collection appears below.
$35.00 You save: 30%
Book Collection | Grades 3-5
Grades 3-5 $35.00
- Teacher Store
-
Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers: Sports: Let's Talk Soccer
The Teacher Store 
Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers: Sports: Let's Talk Soccer
These updated easy readers follow a lively format, featuring dynamic full color photographs which appear opposite simple text. Short "chapters" are followed by a glossary, which reinforces vocabulary by listing new words introduced throughout to the reader throughout the text. Included is an index and suggested resources for continued study.
$6.95
Paperback Book | Grades K-2
Grades K-2 $6.95
ONLINE ACTIVITY
