Jeff Cunningham earned a penalty for being taken down in the box in the 13th minute only to miss wide left.  That made Cunningham 1 for 3 in penalty conversions in the last three games.  He redeemed himself in the 20th minute with a shot from just outside the box that Houston keeper Brad Onstad was only able to get a finger to as it whizzed past him into the net. 

FC Dallas surprisingly continued to dominate play through much of the first half and created a few more opportunities, but were not able to capitalize.  Houston’s Brian Ching was subbed out at halftime for Kei Kamara, but the Houston offense was not able to create any real chances in the 2nd half as FC Dallas held on for the victory.

It was FC Dallas’ 4th home victory in a row and only the second time FC Dallas had ever beaten the Houston Dynamo in MLS competition.

Columbus took the lead in the 17th minute when Eric Brunner’s header deflected off Pablo Richetti of FC Dallas and past goalkeeper Ray Burse.  FC Dallas mounted a strong comeback and tied the game in the 80th minute when substitute Eric Avila placed a shot into the top corner.  Then, in the 87th minute, FC Dallas’ David Ferreira was taken down in the box and Kenny Cooper calmly converted the penalty  to give FC Dallas the win.

 Kyle Davies’ first MLS start

Kenny Cooper's Penalty Kick - FC Dallas

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