2:2 Dallas New York Rodriguez Alexander Ballouchy Benitez(OG) 09.16.10 · League

When Mehdi Ballouchy was acquired two days ago, the question of where exactly he fits in this team was asked. Today, Hans Backe answered in the most surprising of manners. Juan Pablo Angel, the team's leading scorer -- this season and all-time -- was sent to the bench as the new arrival was given the reigns of Metro attack. Ballouchy didn't disappoint, scoring a goal, and neither did Angel, who forced a late own goal that tied Dallas at 2:2.

Metro started the match in attack mode, as Dane Richards continued on his recent tear by burning through the Dallas defense on a number of occasions. The best Metro do was a shot on goal that was cleared off the line, and it was the home team that opened the scoring soon after. In the 24th minute, a ball was centered to Eric Alexander, who was standing in front of Bouna Coundoul. The Dallas midfielder headed it to an unmarked Milton Rodriguez, who headed himself -- ping, pong -- into the net.

The game turned in the 29th minute when Dallas' Brek Shea horrendous, blindsided, two-footed tackle on Chris Albright forced a justified ejection. Metro was to be up a man for two thirds of the match; surely there would be enough chances to equalize.

And equalize they did, three minutes into first half injury time. Joel Lindpere walked the ball into the box, got to the endline, and crossed it to Ballouchy, who was standing in front of the net. The Moroccan did not miss, matching in one game the season goal total of the man he was traded for, Mac Kandji.

The goal was followed by an incident. Thierry Henry attempted to kick the ball into the net as celebration; Kevin Hartman tried to prevent him from doing so. Their feet collided, with the Dallas goalkeeper falling onto the field in pain. Visibly upset at Henry, Hartman walked off the field at halftime and has to be substituted at the break.

Angel came on early in the second, as man-up Metro continued to carry the play. But they seemed almost lackadaisical, hitting the ball back and forth without forcing any dangerous shots. Dallas' attack was reduced to counterattacks, and they were actually very successful in getting behind the New York defense. In the 68th minute, Metro paid, as Alexander ran past Ballouchy, no defender came up to help, and the 10-man squad was suddenly up 2:1.

But Lindpere had his say once again. A cross to Angel in the 82nd minute was met by the head of Jair Benitez, and the Dallas defender knocked it in for an own goal. A point was preserved.

And we wait with baited breath for "Clever" Hans' lineup selection for the next match.

Lineup: Coundoul, Miller, Ream, Mendes, Albright, Marquez, Tchani, Lindpere, Richards, Ballouchy, Henry. Subs: Angel, Ibrahim.