So you've been waiting in unbearable anticipation, I just know it. The time has come once again for "Fuzion does the Power Rankings". I know it's been a long time coming, mostly due to changing jobs, but nevertheless it is here! Can you feel the excitement? This time around I've changed up the process just a little, and if you're interested -- well, you'll just have to jump to join us, now won't you?

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In what can only be described as continued horrific officiating by a repeat offender for the -- wait, how many are we up to now, 10 or 12? -- umpteen billionth time, the Dynamo managed a respectable draw with the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. A goal each by Will Bruin and Luiz Camargo helped the Orange avoid leaving Boston with nothing to show for their efforts.

While the first goal came off a set piece service from none other than the real Brad Davis, the second goal was a masterful display of offensive creativity as Brian Ching served up a gorgeous one-two with Camargo and Camargo was all too happy to nail the ball into the back of the net past a flailing Matt Reis.

Bit more in depth "analysis", and some seriously over the top exaggerations after the jump -- and maybe another Meme pic for you, too. Tempting ain't it?

For those keeping track, the Revs' goals were scored by Saer Sene, and while one was completely avoidable, the other just hurt. Hell, I'm still stinging. The call was right, though I regrettably must admit to such, but the match was marred by ineffective officiating much the same as we've come to expect from this particular referee. If there was one true bright spot for the officiating in this match, it came at the brilliance of the female assistant referee who nailed every offsides call, and deserves a gold medal after suffering working the same team with Toledo.

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In the 67th minute, Co-Captain of the Houston Dynamo, Brad Davis opened his account with El Banco. The first goal to be scored in BBVA Compass Stadium will also be remembered for not only its significance, but for how right the moment felt. It was fitting for Brian Ching to score the first and last goals at Robertson Stadium, and it was fitting for Brad Davis to score the first goal at BBVA Compass Stadium.

To many of us, Davis is as much a Captain and Cap'n is. There were times last season when Brad was essentially the only form of offense we had. Okay, truth be told, he was almost always the only form of offense last season, and this fact was even more evident to all of MLS in the Cup Final when he was injured and the team could generate nothing offensively. That, however, was last season, and this is this season. The 2012 MLS Regular Season.

The 2012 season will forever be remembered for the Stadium's christening by Brad Davis, and I'm elated I had the opportunity to watch the game -- even on TV. NBC sports did a phenomenal job with the presentation, and the announcers (Arlo White is a soccer announcing GOD) were spot on. In fact, if my memory serves, they did not even flub up names of players. Even before the goal was scored, I found the game entertaining to watch -- as evidenced in the Live Game Thread I was posting Live in. But enough about the history, time to focus on the game. Not on what it meant, but on what I saw, and what I wanted to see.

What I wanted to see most? Watson not starting or being subbed earlier. He provided absolutely zero offense, and even worse, stifled the offensive flow more than he ever helped it. I will eat some crow, and say I think I have found a position he might actually be suited for (I know, kill me now), but I would be remiss if I didn't point out Watson's speed could actually allow for him to be a potential outside back. He is certainly no midfield, and he certainly should not find himself starting there going forward.

There was much joy and elating when Watson was subbed out around the 60th minute -- I'd have the exact time, but the Dynamo website seems to be lacking it --, and it was followed VERY shortly by more joy and elation as the substitution immediately paid dividends. Luis Carmago proved why he deserves to start again by coming into the game and instantly providing a tempo and flow to the Dynamo offense it had been lacking until then. Coupled by the introduction of Colin Clark at RM for Calen Carr, and the Dynamo found themselves pushing hard and heavy repeatedly.

It was the Carmago substitution which provided the necessary push to allow Brade Davis the space to gather the ball at his feet, shift himself away from a defender and then wheel back and fire a golazo which will forever be etched in the minds of Orange Faithful. It was also the Brazilian Midfielder who continued to provide offensive pressure on the DC United backline, and nearly helped the Dynamo go up by a second goal not too much longer after the first.

Going forward from this game, I can only hope and pray Dominic Kinnear saw what we saw. I can only imagine he knows he needs to get Luis Carmago Starting XI fit, as the difference when he is on the field with Davis versus when Watson is on the field with Davis is just simply astounding. Also, I can only hope Kinnear took note of how even when the chance fell to Watson, the one time he happened to be in the right place and the right time, he did not have the composure to make it count.

Look, I know I've given this a lot of play, but the fact remains: when a professional soccer player misses a chance like Watson had at the end of the second half, and plays with the same consistency he has always played with -- read: absolutely pathetic -- then said player should not be allowed to continue in the same vein. Kinnear has a history at giving too much leeway to guys who aren't performing up to what we'd consider a certain standard of play, and then not giving play time to those who have shown the potential -- no, I do NOT refer to Dixon here either -- to elevate their level of play well beyond the pathetic. Damn, I'm so far on a tangent it's ridiculous now...

Suffice it to say, Watson's career in Houston is coming to an end some day soon. He simply can't continue to play like he has, and not find himself on the outside looking in. Let's just hope it happens before he ends up actually costing them a game.

Returning to the game, I loved what I saw from Carmago and even Clark. They didn't just create, they elevated the atmosphere and the level of play of those around them. Even Mac Kandji looked decent on the ball. I dare say there are some terrific combinations up top and in midfield which Dom should fancy a chance to play around with, some which we may see more and more as the season progresses.

Also, final note here, Geoff Cameron's haircut leaves something to be desired. It's not good. Bring back the fauxhawk, Geoff. Please. It just needs to happen. Just like Watson being shown the door. Okay okay, enough of me beating the dead horse.

In conclusion, Brad Davis is Dynamo Legend. Brad Davis is better than that guy who plays on that team from somewhere in California. Brian Ching will still open his account at El Banco, and it won't be too long from now either. It's time for Carmago to start at CAM. And most of all, Pepto Bismol Pink for Tally Hall the Wall has begun to grow on me for a Keeper Kit. I still say he needs to sell the Gameworn Kit after every game and donate the proceeds to Breast Cancer Awareness.

Forza Naranja!

There's been some recent buzz around the Houston Dynamo, and it's not all centered around the brand spankin' shiny new toy, BBVA Compass Stadium. As we continue to count down the final week until the first Houston Dynamo home match on their pretty new pitch inside their absolutely gorgeous new stadium, an announcement was made which has polarized certain entities and united others. Martek did a wonderful breakdown of the major points here, and if you have not watched the video yet (embedded in the article) you really need to as it answers a lot of questions you may have right now. So why am I hitting on the same thing? Cuz there's more to it, of course.

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This is the place where the Battle Red Blog Buffalo Bills Front Office will discuss possible needs and pick(s) to fill those needs. With that said, I will lay out as GM of the Buffalo Bills for the BRB Mock Interactive Community Draft, what positions I'd like to see a focus on. So...

Buffalo Bills 2011 -- In summary, the offense was very streaky and the defense resembled that of the 2010 Houston Texans. The defensive line issues were addressed with the Free Agent acquisitions of Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, but it my estimation this is not the end all to be all for a necessary revamping of an absolutely atrocious defense. But is it worth going defense over offense? Do I really, as GM, believe this offense can compete with the likes of the Pats and the Jets throughout an entire NFL Regular Season? In summary...yes, I do. Fitzpatrick is quality as a QB, Fred Jackson when he returns will be an anchor for the offense providing a versatile weapon, and CJ Spiller will be able to play that necessary change-of-pace role a la Darren Sproles. Stevie Johnson is inked to a long-term deal, negating the need to look at WR in the 1st. There are plenty of WRs to pick from later on (round 2 perhaps?).

So with the thought process being a look at improving the defense through the draft, what position would I most like to focus on with the 10th pick? Linebacker. The Buffalo Bills in my estimation need a Middle Linebacker who can become a core anchor for their defense who can learn under Nick Barnett and then blossom with him. Kelvin Sheppard is not him, but I have my ideas on who could be him.

So, my fellow Bills cohorts, who have you scouted and who do you feel could make the right impact at MLB? I will also take an OLB to break out in coverage or pass rush if you feel that could benefit as well.

If you disagree with my assessment, please respond so we can discuss other possible needs as well.

So we've enjoyed the first week of MLS regular season football. There were some surprises -- oh who am I kidding? To be honest, this is pretty much exactly how I expected it to go. I could've posted this last week and the rankings wouldn't change one bit. And yes, I'm totally serious. Okay, maybe not. Trying to pick rankings for soccer in MLS is kinda like playing Whose Line Is It Anyway? Everything is made up and the points don't matter.

That brings me to the rankings, or well, does it? See the curveball I just threw you? You missed it. You whiffed. Like the Gingered Angel of Doom, I absolutely hate traditional power rankings. They're just opinions, and usually change so frequently they might as well be the BCS ranking system -- completely worthless. I'm on a roll today.

Follow with me after the jump as I try my hand at the second installment (totally revamped and totally not the same) of Fusion does the Power Ranks - Regular Season Week One.

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I know, I know. Fuzion's doing the weekly Power Rankings for Dynamo Theory now? Yes. Yes, I sure as hell am. For the remainder of the 2012 MLS Season, I will bring you Power Rankings in a way only I can. Yes, that means hilarity and insanity on a weekly basis. Yes, that also means you have to endure my extremely tangent-oriented writing style, and my horrible ADHD thought processes each and every week. I know, I know. How did this happen? How could Zach and Marty allow such madness? This is not madness! This is Spart -- wait, wrong speech. This is Dynamo Theory, and this is the weekly Power Rankings. Enjoy!

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Is it really the MLS preseason already? This offseason seemed to fly by quite faster than I anticipated, and now I find myself pressured to get into season form. Pressured not from any source, but myself, mind you all. If the fact preseason is in mid-swing hasn't jarred your mind to how close we are to the actual MLS regular season, let me further the earthquake. We are exactly 12 days plus a couple of hours from the Dynamo's first regular season game. Twelve days is the same number of days in the well-known song relating to the days of Christmas.

Since I am well out of season form at this juncture, I've decided to tackle an issue which is receiving quite a bit of attention on this blog and from other sources both for it's controversy and it's finger-pointing nature. However, I warn you all, I'm going to not withhold any punches and I sincerely doubt it will be a fun read for us (myself included) as Dynamo fans. More after the jump.

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As everyone and their Mom knows by now, Brian Ching has returned to the Orange, even practicing today with the team, after a semi-lengthy process involving the Montreal L'Impact and the Houston Dynamo. When the deal was announced, speculation was made as to the Draft Pick the L'Impact acquired. Some said it was for a First Rounder, some said a Conditional Draft Pick. A little bit ago, JdJO confirmed the pick is indeed a Conditional Draft Pick, but what exactly does that mean?

Thankfully, our sometimes beloved Chron reporter, Jose de Jesus Ortiz, gave us all the information we need to know:

Jose de Jesus Ortiz @OrtizKicks

I have confirmed that Montreal's conditional pick for 2013 will become 1st pick after Ching plays 20 games. It's 2nd pick otherwise.

So let's break that down, shall we?

If the Cap plays in 20 MLS games in 2012 for the Houston Dynamo, the Draft Pick traded to Montreal Impact is a 1st Rounder in 2012. If the Cap does not manage 20 games for the Dynamo this season the pick is downgraded to a 2nd rounder. Sounds reasonable enough, but what are the chances he plays in 20 games for the Houston Dynamo? Wikipedia, our wonderful friend for knowledge lusting, has given us a good clue as to the likelihood of Cap playing in a full 20 games.

In 2011 Chinger appeared in 13 MLS games for the Dynamo. In 2010, he appeared in exactly 20 games. In 2009, he reached 24 game appearances. In 2008, he reached 36 appearances - the most he's played in a Dynamo Orange uniform over the course of a full season. In the last 4 seasons, the Chinger has regressed tremendously from the 36 game mark to the 13 game mark. Obviously, injuries played a huge role in this, but at the same time, his age gives reason to believe this season could be the lesser of the average of the last 4 seasons.

That is to say, the chances are better than 50% Cap will play in less than 20 games this season. This would leave the Draft Pick swapped for Cap as a 2nd rounder, essentially making the trade an easy to declare winner for the Dynamo. What do you say Dynamo fans? Is it going to be a 1st or 2nd rounder?

UPDATE AT 9:28 P.M.: Jose de Jesus Ortiz has an update on the Soccer y Futbol blog at this link here. Key takeaway:

In trades, people often wonder which team got the better end of the deal.

Heck, a Montreal radio reporter just asked me that question for his show. He didn’t seem to like my answer. I said it was a win-win-win situation. He argued that fans in Montreal won’t think the Impact won.

And the main Chronicle story is here. Check it out.

Now back to the earlier post:

According to JdJO's sources, a deal between the Impact and Dynamo has been reached to send Forward Brian Ching back to the Houston Dynamo. And exactly what did the Houston Dynamo give up to get him back? Was it Andre Hainault and a forward to be named later? Perhaps they gave up the newly acquired Kandji? Nope. The Montreal Impact end up with a 2013 MLS SuperDraft Pick from the Houston Dynamo.

Well, then. Looks like the Front Office is damn good at what they do, and we should all just sit and admire their perseverance to get the deal done on THEIR terms, not the Impact's. So much for Andre Hainault, or any other player for that matter. Really, when you break down what the Impact are getting, even if Allocation Funds and an International Roster spot were to be included...

The L'Impact failed. Epically. And Jesse Marsch continues to remain looking like a d-bag. Way to go Jesse. Way to make a real statement move....And the Dynamo fans rejoice.

Kudos to Dominic Kinnear, Chris Canetti and Brian Ching who worked hard to get this done. It hasn't been easy by any stretch. — Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) February 16, 2012

For full story on Ching trade go to chron.com. The Impact will get a draft pick in 2013.

— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) February 16, 2012

Sources tell Chronicle a deal to send Brian Ching back to Dynamo is reached, pending league approval. More to come on chron.com

— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) February 16, 2012

And finally, here's the best one yet:

@brianching Here's a better photo for your page than that blue jersey twitter.com/DomsDisciples/…

— Nigel Brooks (@DomsDisciples) February 16, 2012

The good news just keeps on flowing:

Also, barring something crazy and unforeseen, I expect Ching's likely going to be at practice tomorrow with the Dynamo.

— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) February 16, 2012

MLS will rubber stamp it.Ching could be at practice tomorrow #dynamo #hounews

— Randy McIlvoy (@RandyMcIlvoy) February 16, 2012

#dynamo President Chris Canetti " We are working into the night to wrap it up "

— Randy McIlvoy (@RandyMcIlvoy) February 16, 2012

Hey Jesse Marsch, "Ching Chingery, Ching Ching, Cheru, we get Brian Ching and he says **** you!"

— James H (@nobius) February 16, 2012

You know, it's pretty hard sometimes to come up with ideas for articles. Especially when you have such a great writing team around you as we have here at DT.com. All the good ideas are always taken. In all seriousness, I have a huge amount of respect for all of the writers and readers of this blog, and am honored to provide yet another installment of Fusion's footy rants. No seriously, I love going on tangents in long drawn out sequences of writing. It's fun.

This time it's all about looking ahead to the season at-hand. There is a lot to discuss, even right now in the preseason leading up to MLS First Kick. So join me after the jump for some totally random guesses at how the Dynamo will fare, and how things could go. Also, as always, feel free to prove me wrong.

One of the things each preseason brings us as fans is a chance to take a shot in the dark at what could happen to our team in the months ahead. We get to peer into our personal crystal balls -- I happen to use a Magic 8 Ball (tm) if anyone is curious -- and try to put answers to the burning questions well before the questions are even truly asked. Without further ado, my thoughts on the upcoming season.

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It's that time again. Another chance for me to share my highly biased opinions with all of you, the Dynamo faithful. I cherish this time I have to spend ranting and raving about anything Dynamo or US Soccer related, and to have you all comment on it -- whether positive or negative. It's an honor to write for all of you and for Dynamo Theory, and while my activity sees dips and lulls, rest assured I hope to be around here for a long time to come. Thus, you get to put up with me for much, much longer. Sorry. Now that we've had our bromance bonding time, feel free to follow to the actual meat of this weeks rants and raves after the jump.

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I know when I'm looking to purchase a jersey or any kind of sports merch I tend to watch for sales from the main hubs like Reebok or the Houston Texans official online store. Well, they have a deal going on right now for "replica" (which is to say close enough to the real deal, just not 100% authentic) Matt Schaub Steel Blue jerseys at $59.99 at the official Houston Texans store. Shipping is 4.99 for ground. Considering usually you can't get replicas in adult sizes for under $80, this is a pretty big steal. Click here to see the jersey. I already own a Liberty White #90 Mario Williams replica jersey, and it was one of the best investments I've ever made. They are durable, clean easy enough, and look close enough to the authentics (which cost 50-100% more than replicas) nobody will be the wiser.

So hop on it while you can before they sell out. You can't argue with a Matt Schaub replica. Next season these will be going up in price, practically a guarantee on that.

Imagine a world without free knowledge, or even free sports blogs.

Today, January 18th, 2012, a growing list of websites, blogs, and other Internet entities have gone 'black' in protest of a bill which is slated to go before Congress on January 24th, 2012. By now, I am sure most of you know about this bill, or at least have heard of it. If you've read this far, your real question has to be, 'What does this have to do with sports?' I'm glad you asked. Follow with me after the jump for the breakdown.

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Somehow, it works out so I am off during the MLS SuperDraft 2012, and thus I've taken on the responsibility of live-blogging the first (and maybe) second round. It's being aired on ESPN2, TSN2 and RDS2 at 11AM CST. That means there are about 3 hours remaining until the Montreal L'Impact -- barring any trades or moves, are on the clock for the 1st overall selection in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. There are a few intriguing prospects the Dynamo might be interested in, and I'll be watching and keeping my eyes on Twitter to see if anything happens beforehand. After the jump is the LiveBlog thread where all the "action" will be available for you to read as it happens.

I'm so excited I can barely contain my enthusiasm.

UPDATE: Kenny Cooper has been traded to NYRB for bunches of allocation money and a 1st rd 2013 SuperDraft pick - Linky

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Earlier last night, I was alerted to the recent Chron.com blog piece by Jose de Jesus Ortiz, and his idea to get Brian Ching back from the Montreal L'Impact. You can read the full blog piece here. In my time as a Dynamo Theory Blog writer (ok, I know I haven't been nearly as active as of late. I blame work), I've read over a ton of ideas about how to fix or better the team.

Heck, I personally pushed the fan base of Dynamo Theory on a consistent basis to think outside the box to find ways to do so. However, as a fan of the Houston Dynamo first and foremost, I cannot sit idly by and allow the lunacy of JdJO's piece to go un-accounted. Read on for my take on the lunacy spewing forth from JdJO after the jump.

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One of the best things about being a Dynamo fan is our players give 200% on the field -- yes, this is mathematically an impossibility, however, none of us would argue they do indeed give a full 200% -- except perhaps the occasional Right Midfielder/Winger from say Jamaica, not to single any one specific player out or anything. One of the worst things is the reality of a team built around the team concept, and shying away from the one big name, big time superstar. I hit on this a little bit a few days ago in a comment reply, but I wanted to offer up the discussion as I can see it becoming something of a debate/discussion between not only our favorite commenters, but also our Staff. Follow me after the jump for an in depth look at why I believe we should place our hopes on a DP to the side and focus on the here and now.

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What does it mean to be a fan of the Houston Dynamo? It's a simple question which I am sure everyone will have an answer to, some similar, some not so much. It begs the follow-up question, what are the varying degrees of being a fan of the Dynamo? Is being a fan bleeding Orange every day? Is it attending or viewing as many games each season? Is it maybe keeping up with the news and information about the Dynamo, since it's hard enough to find anywhere but independent blogs? Is it commenting on those blogs? Is it cheering for the team when they win and feeling their sorrow when they lose? My answer, after the jump.

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So it's that time of the year, shortly after the conclusion of another MLS Season and the beginnings of yet another intriguing MLS Offseason, where families gather to mark some occasion from many, many years ago when some people from a foreign land decided to venture forth from their land in search of freedoms, and landed their ships upon the rock known as the good old U S of A.  With all of that history to remember today, it should go without saying we should also offer our thanks.  Feel free to join me after the jump for a few things I am thankful for this holiday season.

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So, since I'm the thinking type, and we all know I love to prognosticate (for Whimp-pact fans, that means "speculate" -- for you Sounders fans, that means "guess at what might happen"), I've been wondering just what the Whimp-pacts selection of Brian Ching in the MLS Expansion Draft could mean for our organization going forward.  After the jump, some wild speculation:

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It was one month and 13 days ago we last visited the Be the GM series.  A gauntlet had been laid and 'twas accepted by none other than Michael_D and playtherapy.  For those who missed it, these two rose to the occasion as the challenge was the hardest ever to be levied by a DT writer.  On top of the challenge, a reward was mentioned and I am going to live up to such, however I am changing the rules (as I am apt to do when I have a whim).  Read on after the jump (because I'm a jerk and love views and page hits!)

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So week 2 was an interesting week for the NFL and for the BRB Pick’Em League.  I’m posting this a tadbit later this week, and I apologize, but at least it’s made it up!  Haha.  I was pretty happy to see the responses and overall satisfaction with the Week 1 Round-Up, and I hope to continue the trend of enjoyable reading with this week’s Round Up.  Please follow with me after the jump (I don’t know why I put this like this, but it’s how I roll).

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I honestly don’t remember who wrote the weekly Pick’em round up last season, but damn they are a hard act to follow.  I’m going to do my best, and I promise to make it as entertaining as I possibly can.  Without further ado, let’s get to my thoughts on my "Game of the Week" for Week 2 and also the Week 1 Roundup of the Pick’em league.

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I know we already have a regular pick'em league, but I did a Survival League last season and it was pretty cool, too.  So I made one for anyone from BRB who wants to participate.  The way it works is simple, each week you select a team that you think will win (no team can be selected more than once).  If you're right, you move on to the next week of picks, wrong and you're out.

If you're interested, go here

Please comment here if you join so I can keep tabs on who is who.