Photo by USA Today Sports Images
By DAN KARELL
On the verge of falling out of the Eastern Conference playoff race, the Houston Dynamo needed someone to step up and keep their season alive.
Giles Barnes was that player last Saturday, scoring a brace in a must-win match against the Montreal Impact. In an exciting back and forth game, Barnes two goals, high work-rate, and constant attacks helped the Dynamo to a crucial 3-2 victory, as well as earning him SBI MLS Player of the Week.
Barnes scored his first in the 30th minute to give the Dynamo the lead, out-muscling Impact defender Krystof Krol before racing towards goal and finishing past the advancing Evan Bush. Barnes’ second came in the 62nd minute with a beautifully flicked shot towards the far corner off an Omar Cummings’ cross.
Barnes beat out Landon Donovan, Jermaine Jones, Thierry Henry, Obafemi Martins, and Justin Meram for this week’s honors.
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What did you think of Barnes’ performance? Which player stood out to you most in MLS Week 26?
Share your thoughts below.
Barnes Bruin combo is actually coming together. Both have turned in good performances in the past few games.
With the right support, Barnes has proven to be an exciting player. Technically proficient, good pace, and fun to watch on the ball. We saw flashes of what makes the Dynamo fun to watch with Barnes, Boniek’s, and Davis’s creativity with the ball at their feet.
Barnes has had a slow season, but with a different strike partner, he may show a bit more. Bruin’s assist record has been dismal this season.
I guess Bruin’s goal record doesn’t matter… I thought that was what a forward was supposed to do.
I was talking about Barnes. Bruin has the best goal scoring record for the Dynamo, but is very poor at assisting others. At least somebody scored. I’m not a Bruin-hater, so don’t get what I’m talking about twisted up.