Woly Ties It Late: RBNY 1 – Houston 1

Houston continues to be cursed by the Red Bulls. Riding on the good vibes of a Jorge Rojas red card, and the injury of Carlos Johnson, the Dynamo seemed to have this game in the bag. But they didn’t count on a late game “thriller” by John Wolyniec, tying what seemed to be a sure road win for the orange.

The Red Bulls opened up the first half in good form, playing the same lineup and formation that bought them so much success against the Earthquakes. Houston proved equal to the task at hand. Carlos Johnson became an early casualty, falling with a hurt foot in the 25th. Fan favorite Jeremy Hall came into the game in his place. Meanwhile, Conway came up with a couple of giant saves, particularly on an excellent parry of a Cameron header in the 30th.

The game suddenly took a turn, and a bad case of déjà vu was in the air. Tempers flared once more. Brian Mullen was covering Rojas tight, and before you knew it, they both hit the floor like a couple of wrestlers in a ladder match. Rojas, seemingly frustrated with the marking, flung a wild elbow at Brian Mullens skull, and followed it with a leg sweep while falling down. And if that wasn’t enough, he ran up to Onstad, going chest to chest with the Giant Canadian. Hulk Hogan would be proud. Unfortunately, something like that in soccer tends to be called for a red. Off went Rojas, and Angel picked up a jawing yellow.

The second half was a good back and forth for the first 25 minutes. The Bulls looked for an edge, sending in Richards for Celades. Houston countered with Corey Ashe. This was a good sign that both teams were still playing for the win. But it was Dominic Kinnear winning the tactic battle, as Corey Ashe burned Ubiparipovic, and victimized a lost Pacheco, feeding Wondolowski on a beautiful cross for the lead in the 78th.

But that wasn’t the change of the game. Osorio got the last laugh, with late game sub, John Wolyniec, “Mr. Finesse,” spinning against a stoic Ricardo Clark, and netting a beautiful two touch goal for the tie. It was world class finishing – ball chested down, set and buried. And Wolyniec continued the pressure till stoppage.

Losing two starters in the first half, being a goal and a man down, the Bulls showed the type of tenacity and clutch play that has been missing this season. And though they were aiming for a win, a tie, under the circumstances, felt just as good. Houston suffers another collapse against the Red Bulls.

MAN OF THE MATCH: John Wolyniec.

TURNING POINT: Come now . . . Mr. Finesse shows his skill with the equalizer.

GOAT: Jorge Rojas. That was a very ugly red. We will see if it leads to more than just a one game suspension.

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