Houston came out fast and furious, earning five corner kicks in the first ten minutes of the match. The New England Revolution defense weathered the early storm, with Matt Turner registering some big saves.
The opening goal came against the run of play for New England. The Revs fought off a Dynamo chance and create a 4-on-1 counter attack the other way. New boy Luis Caicedo led the charge, sliding a ball into space for a streaking Cristian Penilla. Penilla, composed as always, slid an inch-perfect low cross right to Teal Bunbury for the easy tap-in finish.