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Fire-Dynamo Preview

Aug 20, 2010 - 6:11 PM By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

Chicago (6-5-6) at Houston (5-10-5), 8:30 p.m. EDT

A dramatic comeback victory thanks to an unlikely source has Chicago gaining momentum heading into a pair of road games. Meeting the struggling Houston Dynamo could keep the Fire rolling.

Chicago looks to extend its unbeaten streak to four Saturday night when it faces a Dynamo club mired in the longest win drought in franchise history.

The Fire (6-5-6) improved to 2-0-1 in their last three after forward Calen Carr scored with 5 minutes left to clinch a 2-1 win over New England on Wednesday.

Carr's goal came in his season debut and was his first since July 5, 2008. It completed a comeback after Baggio Husidic erased an early 1-0 deficit with his fourth goal of the season in the 32nd minute.

"I've been on the sidelines watching for so long and to get out there and be a part of the team again was great," Carr, who was limited to 19 games the past two seasons due to various injuries, told the Fire's official website. "To score the game-winning goal was extra special. Hopefully, this will give us a boost going into the next stretch of games."

Carr, who was substituted in for Brian McBride in the 69th minute, could move into a larger role against Houston (5-10-5) before Chicago visits Seattle next week. McBride has four goals in 16 games, while fellow forward Collins John has two in 10 contests and hasn't played since scoring in a 3-2 win at Los Angeles on Aug. 1.

The Fire, though, are wary of the Dynamo despite their team-record 10-game winless run (0-6-4). Chicago is 3-5-1 in the series and lost both meetings last year, falling 3-2 at Robertson Stadium.

"We've got to get our legs back," defender Gonzalo Segares said. "It's a quick turnaround and they're a great team that we've always had trouble against. They're very physical, especially at home."

Houston hasn't won since beating league-worst D.C. 2-0 at home May 22.

The Dynamo's latest loss came on the road last Saturday, 1-0 to the Revolution. They've been shut out in two straight and four of five matches.

Houston could get a lift defensively from the potential return of Pat Onstad, a two-time MLS goalkeeper of the year.

An abdominal strain has sidelined Onstad for four games, but he was able to act as the backup to Tally Hall last weekend.

"If I'm unable to play at 100 percent, I shouldn't be on the field," Onstad told the Dynamo's official website. "I think Tally's done very well for us, and that is the only way I get on the field."

Hall has allowed eight goals while making 16 saves in those four games, going 0-3-1.