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First-place Houston hopes to open gap vs. San Jose

Tue 14th, October 2008

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Houston has won consecutive MLS Cups without one Western Conference title, but can take a major step toward clinching its first regular season crown Wednesday against San Jose.

The Dynamo finished second in the Western Conference in 2006 and 2007 but still went on to win the MLS Cup. With three games remaining, Houston (11-5-11) holds a two-point lead over last year's conference winner, Chivas USA.

Houston has three matches left and Chivas just two, meaning a win at Robertson Stadium against San Jose would open a nearly insurmountable five-point cushion. The Dynamo host Los Angeles and wrap up the season at Chivas USA.

"We're two points clear with a game in hand, so hopefully we [win] Wednesday and create a gap," Houston coach Dominic Kinnear said.

Houston is coming off a 0-0 draw against D.C. United, a team like San Jose that is fighting for its playoff life. Overall, Houston is currently on a six-match unbeaten run.

Wednesday's game, which is a make-up from the scheduled Sept. 20 game postponed due to hurricane damage in Houston, doesn't put any pressure on the Dynamo with Chivas so close behind, according to forward Nate Jaqua.

"I don't think that we necessarily feel the pressure, but we have a game on Wednesday against San Jose, we have to get ready for that, and they are going to be fighting too," Jaqua said after the D.C. match.

But, if Houston defeats San Jose, it knows a tie against Chivas USA on the last weekend of the season would be enough to secure the crown - if it comes down to the final match.

Chivas gained two points on Houston last week with a 1-0 win at San Jose. Now the Earthquakes, who made a major playoff push with a nine-game unbeaten streak from mid-July to mid-September, are in a tough position after going winless in their last four.

"Obviously the result was not there for us ... and I am disappointed that we didn't win at home again," San Jose coach Frank Yallop said. "I can't fault the guys for their effort, especially in the second half when they are trying to get back into the game.

"It's one of those games that you seem not to be able to put the final shot on target that would have made a difference in the game."

San Jose has had success against Houston, which is the original San Jose team, winning 2-1 on May 22 and earning a 1-1 draw on Sept. 13. This week's match is the first and only at Houston this season.

The Earthquakes (7-11-9) have a few concerns with Ryan Johnson questionable due to a hamstring strain, Ramiro Corrales doubtful with an MCL sprain and Gavin Glinton out with abductor surgery, but could still possibly finish third in the Western Conference.

San Jose is the only other team in MLS with three matches remaining, and third place in the West is just six points away. If the Earthquakes earn three points at Houston, they finish with games at Kansas City and at home against Toronto - which isn't the toughest schedule.

"We have done well to get where we are at," Yallop said about recovering from a 3-9-3 start, "but we are not satisfied."