Former Dynamo Player Kei Kamara

Going into Sunday's home match against the Kansas City Wizards, the Houston Dynamo knew the needed a result to secure their fourth straight playoff berth since moving to the Bayou City, but when forward Cam Weaver received a red card in the 17th minute hopes of an easy victory were quickly dashed. The crowd of 16,854 who braved the early rain that gave way to heat and humidity, were not disappointed because in the 26th minute, Luis Angel Landin scored his first MLS goal, giving the Dynamo a lead going into halftime.

Unfortunately, the Dynamo were unable to maintain their lead, with Zoltan Hercegfalvi scoring the equalizer for Kansas City in the 73rd minute. Former Dynamo player, Kei Kamara, who was warmly received by the Houston crowd, had some good looks at the goal but was unable to convert. Zoltan's goal was the last of the match, and the one point was enough to secure the Dynamo's spot in the 2009 MLS Playoffs, which the Dynamo have marked with the launch of their Dream. Scream. Believe. website.

This Sunday, the Dynamo will participate in the inaugural Charities Cup in which they will host Monterrey in a friendly at Robertson Stadium; however, the team will be missing Brian Ching, Stuart Holden, and Ricardo Clark who will be with the US National Team as it takes on Honduras on Saturday night in its penultimate World Cup Qualifier. The Dynamo only have two MLS regular season matches left, it will host Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday October 18th, in what might be David Beckham's first appearance in Houston since joining MLS, then the Dynamo close their season at Chivas U.S.A. on Sunday October 25th.

Here's some video that was shot by Erin Dutka following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Kansas City Wizards (the angle isn't always right, she's learning how to use her new Nano still):

Coach Dominic Kinnear following Dynamo draw with Kansas City on October 4, 2009

Luis Angel Landin following Houston draw with Kansas City

Kei Kamara following 1-1 Draw Between Houston and Kansas City

Don't forget the official MLS video too.

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I dedicate this post to Otilino Tenorio, who died 4 years ago this week in a car accident at the age of 25.  At the time of his death, he was the league leader in goals scored in his home country of Ecuador.  It is appropriate that his name lives on at the top of this article, as the article's focus is about the one thing Otilino did so well.  He took our breath away.  Never was there ever a player who scored with so much pizazz, beauty and happiness.  Paz en tu tumba Otilino, para siempre.  We love you and we miss you. 

If scoring goals is the way to the heart of the U.S. sports fan, then, most definitely, MLS is not doing a very good job at attracting new fans or making more highlights for SportsCenter.  Scoring is attrociously low, making for some boring games. 

Obviously, not every match can be a great one, but too many seem lifeless and aloof.  There's not enough of a connection with the fans. 

Saturday night's game that saw D.C. United live up to their reputation was the exception, though.  Justice was served for the team who gelled better together and attacked more frequently.  It was a great comeback. 

It proved a team can overcome a one-goal advantage, but what about a two or three goals advantage.  Will there be a comeback from 3 to 0, where a team wins 4-3.  Has this ever happened in MLS?  These kind of games are so few and far between, it's a pity the fans can't get more excitement.

Two seasons ago, the average amount of goals for a regular season game was 2.27, last year the average crept up to 2.79 and this year so far, it has fallen back to 2.36.  The average score two seasons ago was 1.61 for the winner and .66 for the loser.  Last season, the average was 2.04 to .75 and so far this year it is 1.69 to .67.

There seems to be more emphasis on defense in the playoffs.  This is natural.  Teams tighten up as they fight for a championship that is closer in sight. 

Last year's playoffs averaged 2.28 goals per game.  Winning teams averaged 1.73 goals and losing teams averaged .55 goals. 

MLS needs to find a way to be more spottaneous, to give fans more surprises and more bang for their buck.  More goals are the solution.

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