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Posted at 3:53 p.m., Sunday, April 8, 2007

Soccer's Dynamo, Galaxy play to scoreless tie

Associated Press

HOUSTON — The Houston Dynamo opened their defense of the MLS Cup against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday night with a scoreless tie.

Both goaltenders were sharp throughout the season-opening match for both clubs.

Pat Onstad made two saves for the Dynamo. Joe Cannon _ acquired from the Colorado Rapids during the offseason _ made four stops for the Galaxy.

Brian Ching, a Kamehameha Schools alum from Hale'iwa, missed a chance to score for Houston in the 48th minute. He took a pass from Brad Davis but his attempt sailed high over the crossbar.

In the 59th minute, Onstad kept Nate Jaqua's header out of the net with a diving save. Houston cleared the ensuing corner kick out of harm's way.

Houston defender Ryan Cochrane was ejected in the 76th minute when he pulled down Robbie Findlay, who appeared to have a clear path to the goal. Onstad and the Dynamo survived the subsequent free kick to keep the game scoreless.

Los Angeles had several chances to break the game open early in the match. Jaqua hit the outside of the net with Onstad out of position just four minutes into the game. Cobi Jones made a move to get around the Dynamo defense just two minutes later, but his point-blank shot was stopped by Onstad.

In the 12th minute, the Dynamo countered with their first scoring chance as Brad Davis sent a shot from the top of the box.

Landon Donovan then broke free on a short breakaway just 90 seconds later, but Onstad was there for the stop.

Onstad had been nursing a right calf injury and did not play in any of Houston's four CONCACAF Champions Cup matches.

The Dynamo won the MLS Cup with a 4-3 penalty kicks win over New England in November. The Galaxy missed the playoffs last year for the first time in the 11-year history of the league.