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Dynamo-Toronto FC Preview

Jun 30, 2010 - 8:16 PM By BRETT HUSTON STATS Writer

Houston (5-7-2) at Toronto FC (5-4-3), 7:00 p.m. EDT

Toronto FC didn't score in two matches sandwiched around the World Cup break, but coming away with points from both has it feeling better about its recent lack of creativity.

Facing the Houston Dynamo might be the perfect opportunity to emerge from its goal-scoring drought.

Houston's defense has been the league's shakiest over the past month, a trend Toronto hopes to exploit as it looks to extend its unbeaten streak to a team-record seven matches Thursday night at BMO Field.

Toronto (5-4-3) was eager to display some offensive punch after going into its three-week break off a scoreless draw against Kansas City. But no one could find the back of the net Saturday against league-leading Los Angeles in another 0-0 tie, though that wasn't a surprise to Toronto's coach.

"It was a typical game after three weeks of not playing," Preki said after his team improved to 3-0-3 in its last six games. "I don't think either of the teams was very sharp. It was a tough fight. I thought if anybody made a mistake, that was going to be how the game was decided."

There have been more than a few mistakes made by Houston's back line recently. The Dynamo (5-7-2) have allowed 11 goals in their last four league matches, though they avoided a fourth straight loss with a 2-all draw against Colorado on Saturday.

"We broke the losing streak, so that's important. That being said, we wanted to come out with three points at home," said midfielder Danny Cruz, who scored Houston's first goal. "But we take a point and look forward to Thursday against Toronto."

The Dynamo lost their first trip to Toronto in 2007 but are 2-0-3 in the series since.

Houston has cause for concern heading into Thursday's Canada Day match aside from its defensive liabilities, however. Toronto is 4-0-2 at home and has outscored opponents 9-2, extending its unbeaten stretch there to 13 games (9-0-4) dating to June 6, 2009.

The Dynamo, meanwhile, are 1-4-1 away from home and have been outscored 12-6. Those struggles hardly have Preki any less concerned, though.

"Obviously they had some changes in the offseason and are trying to find their way this year," Preki told Toronto FC's official website. "Their coach Dominic Kinnear always does a good job with the team, so I don't expect an easy game on Thursday just because things haven't been going their way."

Each club could use a boost from its top scoring threat.

Dynamo striker Brian Ching has scored twice in seven games during a trying season in which he's suffered two injuries and was snubbed from the United States World Cup squad. Toronto forward Dwayne De Rosario - who spent three seasons in Houston - has eight goals, but none have come in his last four starts.

De Rosario scored in a 1-all draw against visiting Houston on July 18.