Houston, New York aiming for consistency in mid-week clash

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06/01/2010 - Harrison, NJ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Houston Dynamo travel to take on Red Bull New York in a mid-week Major League Soccer fixture between two teams that have taken decidedly different paths to their current .500 records.

The Dynamo have been the picture of consistency - or inconsistency - alternating wins and losses since April 1 en route to their current 5-5-1 record.

"This year, being 5-5, a lot of teams would probably take that, but with the history we've had, we are all embarrassed here," Houston forward Brian Ching told mlssoccer.com. "I'm just frustrated. I shake my head at it. The energy level is not good enough."

Red Bull, on the other hand, started the 2010 season 5-1-0 before losing four straight en route to their current 5-5-0 record.

Both teams are reeling after losses this past Saturday and will be aiming to rebound on Wednesday at Red Bull Arena.

New York's loss came at Eastern rivals New England after being issued two red cards in the game. Defenders Carlos Mendes and Roy Miller will both be unavailable for Wednesday's fixture because of their ejections on Saturday.

"I think we played well but you know we came out empty handed," New York striker Juan Pablo Angel said after the game. "It's disappointing because I think we had some good chances to at least tie the game up.

"We conceded goals we shouldn't have conceded, but we still managed to score two. When you play away from home and you score two goals, you should get something out of the game. Having said that, playing with nine players, it's a hell of a job. Overall, I can say we played well. We dominated the game the majority of the game, but then when it was nine against 11, the whole game changed."

The Dynamo's loss was at home to the expansion Philadelphia Union, an embarrassing effort that saw them allow a 70th minute equalizer and a 93rd minute winner.

"It's disappointing. It's a terrible way to end the game," Houston coach Dominic Kinnear said after the game. "To have a lead in the second half and play the way we did in the second half is a huge letdown for us. We scored two great goals. I'm not pleased about having to make two defensive substitutions when we have some great firepower on the bench that we could not go to. I give Philadelphia credit. They came in, worked hard, and gave us problems."

The Dynamo should have their full lineup available on Wednesday except for midfielder Geoff Cameron, while New York will be without midfielder Carl Robinson, defender Kevin Goldthwaite and forward Mac Kandji, all because of injury.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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