Thu Aug 2 17:34:09 2007

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Dynamo edge D.C., but both advance to SuperLiga semis

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Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The Houston Dynamo defeated D.C. United 1-0 on Wednesday to finish Group B of the SuperLiga undefeated and secure a spot in the semifinals.

Despite the loss, D.C. United also advanced when Club America picked up its first win of the tournament, 3-2, over Monarcas Morelia late Wednesday night.

With Houston and D.C. advancing, Major League Soccer teams claimed three of the four semifinals spots in the eight-team tournament featuring top clubs from Mexico and the United States.

Houston hosts Pachuca, which finished second in Group A, at 10 p.m. (ET) on Aug. 14 at Robertson Stadium in the first semifinal. The Los Angeles Galaxy, which won Group A, hosts D.C. at The Home Depot Center on Aug. 15 at 10 p.m. (ET) in the other semifinal.

Houston's Brian Ching scored the lone goal against D.C. United on Wednesday early in the second half. Nate Jaqua picked up the assist on the goal when he won a ball in midfield and sent a long pass over United's defense to Ching.

Ching got to the ball before D.C. midfielder Josh Gros and held him off before striking a volley across his body to score inside the right post. It was his first goal of the SuperLiga, but Ching has a team-high six goals in MLS play.

Backup Zach Wells made five saves for Houston to notch the shutout. United goalie Troy Perkins made three saves.

Club America, which was winless and didn't score in its first two contests in the tournament, jumped out to a 2-0 lead Wednesday on goals from Juan Mosqueda early in the first half and Salvador Cabanas early in the second half.

Monarcas Morelia, which needed a win to advance, rallied to tie the game at 2 on goals six minutes part midway through the second half from Gonzalo Choy and Luis Landin.

Club America's Fedrico Insua scored the game-winner in the 85th minute to help United advance to the semifinals.