CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinal Takes Shape

The Houston Dynamo became the second MLS team to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals tonight at the expense of Guatemalan side Municipal by 3 goals to 1.

Unfortunately, the questionable calls are what are going to be remembered from this match. Corey Ashe won Houston a penalty as he went down very gingerly in the box midway through the second half. It was a terrible call and I was certain that Ashe was going to be booked for embellishment. Not the case; Dwayne DeRosario netted his brace from the the penalty spot giving his side a 2-0 lead. It wasn't long before the Texan side netted their third goal and secured the victory before allowing Municipal a loan consolation goal in the closing minutes of the game. Its unfortunate that the second half was pocked with spotty officiating, choppy play and heightened tempers (several of the players were involved in a short scuffle after DeRosario's penalty). All of these detracted from the game which at times was dominated by a fast paced and exciting style of play.

Questionable calls aside, Houston definitely deserved this win. I don't hold it against Ashe for winning his side a penalty, in fact, he looked just as surprised as the Municipal defenders at the call. All in all Ashe had a great night, he looked very dangerous down the left flank as much of Houston's attack came through him. DeRosario was also solid, he was the driving force behind Houston's midfield throughout the game. Even when Municipal looked dangerous, Houston was always able to regain control.

Here is how the semifinals will shape up.

Semifinal 1: DC United (USA) vs Pachuca CF (Mexico)
Semifinal 2: Houston Dynamo (USA) vs Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica)/Atlante FC (Mexico)

CONCACAF Champions' Cup: DC win big

DC United 5 - 0 Harbour View
(DC wins series 6-1 on aggregate)

DC United pulled out a emphatic 5-0 win over Harbour View (Jamaica) in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champion's Cup series. After a 1-1 draw last week in Jamaica, DC was able to crack the game wide open in the second half and secure their spot in the semi-final round. Devon McTavish and Luciano Emilio both had 2 goals and Fred added the 5th.

Overall I think DC played much better in this match than last week. It seems as though some of DC's off season acquisitions are definitely going to pay dividends this season in MLS. Gallardo has looked solid on the ball although he falls to the pitch much to easily for my liking. He almost had a spectacular goal in the first half on a full volley rebound from about 20 yards out. Fred put on a dominate performance, repeatedly giving Harbour View problems down the left side and even set up one of Emilio's goals with a nice back heel pass for an assist. Recently signed Santino Quaranta made his way into the match in the second half and had several chances on goal, tallying at least one assist.

This season is looking bright for last year's MLS Supporters Shield winners. DC's acquisitions will hopefully be more than adequate replacements for the likes of Troy Perkins, Christian Gomez and Bobby Boswell. The team seems to be gelling together nicely, but we'll see just how ready they are when the MLS season kicks off at the end of the month.