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Houston hopes to continue home run against Toronto

Aug 24, 2012 - 11:05 PM Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Houston Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear knew his club caught a break to preserve its home undefeated record last week, but he also felt his side earned that luck.

Adam Moffat scored late on a shot that bounced in off the hands of goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum of the Columbus Crew as Houston preserved its 12-game, season- long unbeaten streak at BBVA Compass Stadium with a 2-2 draw.

"We talked about how shape and attack would be important and we got caught in there a little bit on the second goal. But then again it was a great fight by us at the end," said Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear.

"We were due a goal with all the chances we had. It wasn't the prettiest goal but it counted and it saved us a point and kept us unbeaten at home."

Overall, Houston is undefeated in 20 straight at home dating back to last year and will try to build on its CONCACAF Champions League victory when it returns to MLS action against Toronto FC on Saturday.

Houston defeated FAS from El Salvador, 3-1, to win its first game in the group stage of the tournament on Wednesday, and returns to league action just five points off the top of the Eastern Conference.

The Dynamo (11-6-8) are on a great run of form, going 6-1-3 over their last 10 matches. Coupled with their home form, eight wins and four ties in 12 matches, they will present a huge task for Toronto (5-15-5) this week.

TFC has just two wins in 12 road matches this year, and lost their most recent game at the Columbus Crew, 2-1. Columbus scored the opening goal inside five minutes, and Toronto manager Paul Mariner was not happy with his team's start.

"It was the exact opposite I asked for in the dressing room," Mariner said.

TFC also made a change in goal, as Freddy Hall replaced Milos Kocic. Mariner was pleased with the play of Hall, and said it was important for his No. 1 to get a break. But Kocic is likely to regain his starting role soon.

"He just needed to rest mentally for maybe a game or so. He's been spectacular for us and Freddy is a guy I've known for a long, long time and I knew he'd do fine," Mariner said.

Toronto still has the worst record in the league and is last in the Eastern Conference with just nine matches remaining. Twenty points out of a playoff berth, the second season is not an option for TFC. But climbing off the bottom - which TFC could do this week - would be a major accomplishment.