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Dynamo look to continue home dominance against Fire

Apr 12, 2013 - 8:37 PM Houston, TX (Sports Network) - One week after earning their first three points of the season, the Chicago Fire face a daunting task on Sunday when they go for their second consecutive victory against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Last time out, the Fire put together a solid 90 minutes at home to come away with a 3-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls.

Chicago fell behind in the 17th minute when New York defender Jamison Olave connected on a bicycle kick and powered it past Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

Things looked to be getting worse for the Fire when Chris Rolfe missed a penalty kick, but they shook it off and Daniel Paladini scored an equalizer late in the opening 45 minutes.

Chicago capitalized on its momentum in the second half as Maicon Santos netted a double to make sure the Fire held on for the victory.

"It was important for us obviously and also for the team, Fire head coach Frank Klopas said. "For me, more than anything, I never lost belief in the group and neither did our team."

"The important thing is that we kept working hard. The group is united. There is a belief," Klopas continued. "It was important not only to play well but to get the win. I give my team a lot of credit. We have a long way to go, but the effort, the attitude, the work goes in every day. I feel great about the team and their effort today. We played good soccer. Again, giving up an early goal and missing some chances was disappointing. Second half we continued to play well and defended well. It was a great win."

As for Houston, the Dynamo are coming off a lackluster 2-0 setback against the Portland Timbers at Jeld-Wen Field.

The sides battled hard over the first 45 minutes and went into the locker room scoreless, but Ryan Johnson netted a brace in the second half to hand the Timbers their first win of the season.

"I think all of us were much tighter in the first half, winning some tackles and second balls and that got away from us a bit in the second half," Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis said. "That bite can go a long way on the road and on a tight, compact field like this if you can break the first line of pressure you can find some space."

Luckily for Houston, the club will be returning to their fortress at BBVA Compass Stadium for Sunday's tilt.

The Dynamo are riding an impressive 34-match home unbeaten run across all competitions and has posted a 64-17-32 mark at home since moving to Houston from San Jose in 2006.

Houston will also have some injury concerns to deal with as young forward Will Bruin missed the Portland match and it is unclear whether he will be available this week.