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Kamara, Guerrero key Earthquakes' win over Dynamo

May 23, 2008 - 6:59 AM By Randy Leighton PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SAN JOSE, California (Ticker) -- It is enough to defeat the two-time defending MLS Cup champions. The San Jose Earthquakes did one better, claiming the bragging rights of the city that both franchises once called home.

Kei Kamara and Ivan Guerrero each scored second-half goals Thursday, leading the Earthquakes to a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo.

The San Jose Clash, who were one of the founding teams of MLS in 1996, changed their name to the Earthquakes for the 2000 season. In 2006, the club relocated their players and coaches to Houston, where the Dynamo won consecutive MLS Cup titles.

However, San Jose, which won MLS titles in 2001 and 2003 and retained the team name, was reborn as an expansion team prior to this season.

"I don't think our boys were ready to come back," Houston coach Dominic Kinnear said. "There is always going to be a build-up coming back here. A lot of questions were about our return, but I don't think it was a major distraction to our preparation.

"We didn't play particularly well tonight. ... I don't think we decided to start playing until it was 2-0."

On Thursday, San Jose snapped its four-game winless streak and gave its fans its first win at its home stadium against the Dynamo, who still have 11 players once employed by the original Earthquakes.

"It felt like a normal game," Earthquakes defender Ryan Cochrane said. "It felt great to get the win. Obviously, Houston is a good opponent and the best team in this league.

"We came to do what we needed to do tonight and set a tone for Buck Shaw Stadium in the future. We want it to be a tough environment to play in, and I think it says a lot to play this way against the champs."

From the right side of the goal in the 67th minute, Ned Grabavoy floated a pass just outside the goalkeeper's box. With his back to the goal, Kamara caught the pass with the top of his foot, dribbled once to his left and fired a low liner that eluded Houston goalkeeper Pat Onstad.

"It's been a long time since I got one," Kamara said. "It was a good work from Ronnie (O'Brien) out wide and Ned was there to flick it. ... I was able to keep my composure and get a shot off."

San Jose (2-5-1) added an insurance tally in the 81st minute when Onstad blocked Ryan Johnson's attempt from the right side, only to see the rebound end up on the foot of Guerrero, who easily found the back of the net before any defender could clear the ball for the Dynamo (2-3-4).

Houston did not go down easily. In the 87th minute, Brad Davis crossed a quick pass over to Brian Ching, who delivered a shot into the right side of the net that found its mark.

However, it was too little, too late for the Dynamo, who were unable to net the equalizer.

San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon recorded three saves in the win. Onstad turned away four shots for Houston, which lost for the first time in four games.

"It should have been another game to us, but I think guys let the fact they were looking for tickets for friends and family affect them," Houston Dynamo defender Eddie Robinson said. "They went to eat dinner with them and it kind of got in the way.

"Dominic Kinnear was saying all week we are not getting plane tickets to come here and visit; we're supposed to be here and play a game."