Kick This!

Houston 4 - United 3 August 1, 2009

In a nutshell:

First half:  United's players looking like a bunch of men trapped in a leaking submarine plunging to the depths of the ocean. Outplayed and outcoached.

Second half:  Still outplayed and outcoached, but fighting to claw their way out of a watery grave. Good effort and individual moments of greatness.

Talon Rating:  2 out of 5 birds

Houston, We Have A . . . . ?

Goff is full of good news:

• The forecast for Saturday in Houston is 98 F with a heat index of 105;

• Rodney Wallace will sit out due to yellow card suspension; and

• United has never won at Houston in all competitions (0-3-1), never scored at Houston and all three goals conceded were scored by Brian Ching.

Fantastic. On the plus side, Santino Quaranta has been practicing and will be ready to play. Let's hope that the match doesn't prove to be a yawner marked by unimaginative tactics and poor ball skills that result in a give away leading to a stupid goal for the home side.

Not that I'm bitter or anything.