Last week Toronto FC and Houston ended the first half at 2-2. Tonight at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, the 2 teams managed to repeat the feat under different circumstances. However, defensive miscues occured which could only give each manager reason for concern.

Will Bruin jumped on a backpass from Bradley Orr that Keeper Joe Bendik was clearly unprepared for. Bruin did what is always taught from youth. He followed through on a play that seemed routine.

TFC would respond quickly with a strong cross from Juston Morrow leading to an excellent shot in the box from a wide open Gilberto to level the score. DP Gilberto who has struggled to find his form since arriving to Canada from Brazil celebrated with raw emotion.

Ex-Derby County star Giles Barnes found room between Michael Bradley and the Toronto defence and scored a bullet from 25 yards out. With top defender Steven Caldwell gone for at least a month, TFC may need to recall players on loan to shore up the backline.

TFC Forward Luke Moore's drive into the box led to a penalty that Michael Bradley clanked off the post. One could sense that Keeper Tally Hall had been coached on Bradley by his WC teamate Brad Davis as he seemed quite confident against a potential MVP Candidate.

At the end of the first half TFC forward Luke Moore again outfoxed a confused Dynamo defense which created an easy tap in for Dominic Oduro.

The second half seemed to settle down as both teams worked on getting stronger possessions, though miscues on both ends forced both Bendik and Hall to play to the top of their game. TFC who, unlike Houston had a to play a midweek game, fought to hold on as tempers came to the surface. Doneil Henry, Jermain Defoe (who came on in the final third), and Dominic Oduro all got booked. Bradley was given a yellow for stopping Boniek Garcia from a clear path to the goal.

For Houston, who needed 3 points to keep the playoff hopes alive, are now in a deeper hole as they remain in 9th place. TFC mananger Ryan Nelson is no doubt satisfied that he got a result which keeps his team in third as the Reds fight to make the playoffs for the first time in their 7 year history.