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April 2007 Archives


Zabransky agrees to terms with the Texans

4:31 PM Mon, Apr 30, 2007 |

It was the best Bowl game of the season. Boise State's 43-42 overtime victory against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Not only it elevated the guys from the "smurf turf" to national prominence, it made a name for Jared Zabransky.
Zabransky was the quarterback who engineered the drive which knocked off the Sooners after it looked the Broncos were a goner.
Late in the game Zabransky was picked off and the pass returned for a touchdown as it looked like Boise State would lose a heart breaker to Oklahoma. The pundits could easily have said, good team, nice season have a good time back in Idaho.
But th...



Are you happy with the Texans' draft picks?

10:51 AM Mon, Apr 30, 2007 |
Michelle Homer

The 2006 NFL Draft sent Texans fans into a tizzy when they bypassed Vince Young and Reggie Bush for Mario Williams.

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Giff Nielsen talks about Texans #1 pick Amobi Okoye

2:14 PM Sat, Apr 28, 2007 |

11 Sports Director Giff Nielsen is covering the draft at Reliant Stadium. He talks about the first pick of the draft, Amobi Okoye.

Click
to watch video

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Giff and Matt blog on Okoye

2:04 PM Sat, Apr 28, 2007 |

11 Sports Director Giff Nielsen and reporter Matt Musil are covering the NFL draft at Reliant Stadium. The two talk about the decision to select Amobi Okoye, the youngster player taken ever at age, 19.

Click
to watch video

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Texans select Okoye

1:45 PM Sat, Apr 28, 2007 |

The Texans used their first pick of the NFL draft and the 10th pick overall to select 19 year old defensive lineman Amobi Okoye from Louisville. Okoye is the youngest player ever selected in the NFL draft, and even though he is only 19, he is a senior in college, first enrolling at age 16.

Click
to watch video

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Bo Eason with Giff Nielsen

11:45 AM Sat, Apr 28, 2007 |

Former OIlers Defensive Back Bo Eason is now an actor. He's attending the Texans draft party at Reliant Stadium and chatted with Sports Director Giff Nielsen.

Click
to watch video

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Latest Draft blog from the Texans Draft Party

11:05 AM Sat, Apr 28, 2007 |

11 Sports Director Giff Nielsen and the Houston Chronicle's John McLain are blogging all day from the Texans NFL Draft Party at Reliant Stadium.
This is the first of many blogs to come.

Click
to watch video

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Let the "Hunt-er" begin

11:19 PM Fri, Apr 27, 2007 |
Butch Alsandor

While Rosie O'Donnell is leaving the view, and Joan Rivers is
walking away from the red carpet, Astros rookie Hunter Pence is
entering the spotlight.

After Friday night's 4-1 loss to the Brewers extended the Astros
losing streak to 7 straight , general manager Tim Purpura and
skipper Phil Garner decided to shake things up a bit .

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Astros try again to snap out of their slump

10:22 PM Fri, Apr 27, 2007 |

When will the Astros get another win?
That's the big question as they face the Brewers Saturday night at Minute Maid Park.
11 Sports director Giff Nielsen has a video blog on the team.

Click
to watch video

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NFL Draft, what will the Texans do?

4:10 PM Fri, Apr 27, 2007 |

Sports Anchors Giff Nielsen and Butch Alsandor preview the NFL Draft. The two talk about what the Texans may or may not do, and what they might be thinking as they get ready for this weekend's draft.

Click
to watch video

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Astros open a three game series with the Brewers

5:14 PM Thu, Apr 26, 2007 |

It's been an awful road trip for the Astros but it started so well. After winning three straightl, the Astros have now lost six, but open a three game series with the Brewers Friday at Minute Maid Park.
11 Sports Director Giff Nielsen has some thoughts on the team.

Click
to watch video

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Matt Musil: Yet another Astros loss

1:41 PM Wed, Apr 25, 2007 |
Juanita Jimenez

The Astros continue to lose.

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Astros try, try again.

10:09 PM Tue, Apr 24, 2007 |


It's been a rough road trip. After 3 straight victories, the Astros have now lost four. The pride of Clements High School, Matt Albers heads to the mound Wednesday. 11 Sports Anchor Giff Nielsen has a preview.

Click to watch video

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Matt Musil: Astros lose 3 straight

10:46 AM Tue, Apr 24, 2007 |
Juanita Jimenez

The Astros have lost three in a row.

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Matt Musil on the Astros' loss

10:07 AM Mon, Apr 23, 2007 |
Juanita Jimenez

The Houston Astros lost this weekend, but they have another chance for a win
Monday in Philadelphia.

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Butch's mock NFL draft

11:23 AM Fri, Apr 20, 2007 |
Michelle Homer

As the NFL draft approaches there is still a lot of speculation about which players will end up where. Don’t be surprised if the Texans end up trading down for draft picks.

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Astros head to Milwaukee on a four game win streak

9:24 PM Thu, Apr 19, 2007 |


The Astros are red hot winning their 4th straight game of the week as they open a 3 game series in Milwaukee. Butch Alsandor has some thoughts on the team.
Click
to watch video

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Astros look for back to back victories in Cincinnati

9:39 PM Wed, Apr 18, 2007 |

Astros right hander Woody Williams looks to make it back to back wins in Cincinnati and the club's fourth straight victory this week.
11 Sports Director Giff Nielsen has some thoughts on the team.


Click to watch video

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Astros head to Cincinnati on a winning note

10:39 PM Tue, Apr 17, 2007 |


So much for that 0-4 start. The Astros are back to the .500 mark as they head to Cincinnati for back to back games with the Reds. 11 Sports reporter Matt Musil blogs on the Astros success.
Click
to watch video

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Astros harpoon Marlins look for back to back wins

12:09 PM Tue, Apr 17, 2007 |

Morgan Ensberg's single bringing home Mark Loretta in the bottom of the ninth was the difference as the Astros rallied past the Marlins 4 to 3. 11 Sports reporter Matt Musil blogs on the game.

Click to watch video


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Astros say goodbye to Philly

9:35 PM Sun, Apr 15, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Butch Alsandor

The Astros and Phillies were rained out Sunday, so Houston comes home for a quick two game set with the Marlins.

Click to watch video

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Its early , but Lee is earning his money

12:17 PM Sat, Apr 14, 2007 |
Butch Alsandor

As more than 44 thousand fans huddled together to keep
from freezing to death, Astros slugger Carlos Lee stayed warm.
In fact , he couldn't get any hotter banging out 3 home runs
leading the Astros to a 9-to-6 come from behind victory at Philadelphia.

It was the first time in his career that Lee cranked out 3 long balls
in in a game, and it happen while he was wearing an Astros uniform.
This is the kind of production team owner Drayton McClane was dreaming
about when he ponied up more than a 100 million dollars bringing
Lee to Houston.

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Astros Phillies Preview

10:03 PM Fri, Apr 13, 2007 |

The Astros win their third straight victory knocking off the Phillies with 3 homeuns Friday night. Giff Nielsen previews the Saturday game in Philadelphia.

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Will the Rockets advance past the first round?

5:11 PM Fri, Apr 13, 2007 |

11 Sports Anchors Giff Nielsen & Butch Alsandor discuss the Rockets chances to beat the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs.



Click
to watch video



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How long before Astros make a roster move?

11:41 AM Mon, Apr 09, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil / 11 News Sports

The Houston Astros are off to a 1-5 start. How long before Phil Garner shakes things up with the roster? And what's up with Brad Lidge?


Matt Musil's video blog

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Coaches and contracts.

4:22 PM Fri, Apr 06, 2007 |

Once upon a time, a handshake was as good as a contract. Today a contract is only worth the paper, and a handshake is something a coach does when he says goodbye. It's a problem rampant among college coaches with the latest spotlight on Billy Gillispie.
A week ago, Gillispie was targeted by the University of Arkansas. He listened to their offer and then got a contract extension and more money out of Texas A&M. Now this afternoon he was introduced as the new coach at Kentucky. A new 7 year contract with a school that has a storied basketball program.
Now many fans want to know, how can a coach who...



Dynamo fall, lash out at ref

12:28 AM Fri, Apr 06, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil / 11 News Sports

The Dynamo went down to defeat Thursday night to the Tuzos of Pachuca, but they have nothing to hang their heads about.
In fact, it's the referee in this game that should hang his head according to Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. Pachuca outscored the Dynamo 5 goals to 2 in this match that lasted past the regulation 90 minutes and through two 15 minute extra periods. The final aggregate score for the CONCACAF semi final series was Pachuca 5 - Houston 4.

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Pachuca downs Dynamo

11:26 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

Getting down 2-0 early in the contest proved too much for the Dynamo to overcome in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup semifinal match against Pachuca Thursday night. In addition to winning the game 5-2, the Tuzos also won the semifinal on aggregate score 5-4.

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Time running out for Dynamo

11:07 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

Brian Ching just missed a header at the 8 minute mark that would have given the Dynamo an aggregate tie. Time is running out for Houston, Pachuca leads the game 5-2 and the aggregate tourney score 5-4.

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Pachuca regains lead

11:05 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

Jimenez scored a goal at the very end of the first extra period to give Pachuca a 5-2 lead and more importantly a 5-4 aggregate lead. Dynamo need a goal to keep their hopes alive.

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Great plays in extra period

10:47 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

At the fourth minute of the extra period Ching had a great header, but Pachuca's Calero a better save to prevent a goal. Tuzos lead 4-2, but for the tourney the Dynamo and Pachuca are tied 4-4.

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Pachuca goalie attacks Dynamo coach

10:43 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

In between regulation and the start of the first extra period Pachuca goalie Miguel Calero went over to the Dynamo sideline and attacked Houston coach Dominic Kinnear.
The goalie laid a strong forearm to the Dynamo coach. But there was no penalty or foul called, I guess because it was not during the actual game.

...



Extra periods for Dynamo, Pachuca

10:40 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

At the end of regulation the Tuzos lead 4-2, but because of aggregate scoring the two teams are actually tied 4-4 (remember the Dynamo beat Pachuca 2-0 when the two teams played in Houston).
They will play two 15 minute periods. If aggregate is still knotted then the teams will settle the score on penalty kicks.

...



Pachuca answers with its own header

10:26 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

At the 86 minute mark Gabriel Cabaelero knocked in a header for his second goal of the night to give Pachuca a 4-2 lead in the game. Again because the Dynamo won the first meeting of these two teams 2-0, the aggregate score for the tourney now is 4-4.

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Ching header pulls Dynamo within a goal

10:20 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

Off a free kick from Stuart Holden, Dynamo All-Star Brian Ching scores a goal on a header. The Dynamo now trail 3-2, but when it comes to aggregate scoring Houston actually leads 4-3.
Prior to that goal couple of Dynamo players were too winded and were pulled from the match. Mid-fielder Brad Davis and defender Craig Waibel needed a blow.
Not bad though because Holden was Waibel's replacement.

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Fans getting rowdy

10:12 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

At the 72 minute mark a half empty cup of beer went flying past the head of one of the refs. The crowd here is getting frustrated.
Both teams appear to be tiring.
After a poor first half the Dynamo are playing much better, still they trail 3-1. Again because of aggregate scoring the teams are actually tied for the tourney.

...



Pachuca gets another goal

10:00 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

A questionable penalty called on the Dynamo's Brad Davis set up a penalty kick and a score for Pachuca at the 58 minute mark. Christian Jimenez get's his second goal of the game for Pachuca.
The Dynamo trail 3-1 in this game, but thanks to aggregate scoring, the teams are actually tied.

...



Dynamo goaaaallll

9:54 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

Off a great assist from Dwayne De Rasario the Dynamo's Brian Mullen scores Houston's first goal of the contest. The Dynamo have cut the lead in half 2-1 at the 8 minute mark of the second half.

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Dynamo searching for first goal

9:47 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

The second half is just underway and the Dynamo had the first corner kick of the contest. No goal and Pachuca went right back on the attack.
Early in the second half and Houston still trails 2-0.

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It's the half. Dynamo down 2-0

9:28 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

We have just finished the first half and the Dynamo trail Pachuca 2-0. But here's the thing, given the format of this tournament the Dynamo are actually tied with the Tuzos.
If you recall when Pachuca visited Houston, the Dynamo won 2-0. Well under this format those goals carry over.
So on one hand while the Dynamo do trail in this game 2-0, the MLS champs are actually tied when it comes to tournament standings.

...



Rough first half for Dynamo

9:19 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

At the 35 minute mark of the first half and things are not going the Dynamo's way. Goalie Zach Wells just got yellow carded for not putting a ball back into play fast enough.
Much of the match has been played on the Dynamo end of the field with the Tuzos always on the attack.
Pachuca's Damien Alvarez is Superman for the Tuzos. He is all over the field.
One nice highlight for the Dynamo was a great save by Wells just after the 35 minute mark.
With Alvarez bearing down on the goal, Wells dove to his left to make a great save.

...



Dynamo first shot on goal

8:59 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

At the 16 minute mark Dynamo Kelly Gray get's the men in Orange's first shot on goal. It was easily blocked.

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Tuzos go up 2-0 on penalty kick

8:55 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

There was a big pile up in front of Dynamo goal. Houston's Craig Waibel was charged with injuring Pachuca's Andreas Chitiva. He was taken off the field on a stretcher. Christian Jimenez then scored on a penalty kick at the 15 minute mark.

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Dynamo on the defensive

8:52 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

At the 11 minute mark at the Tuzos have another shot on goal. The Dynamo have yet to have a shot on goal in the contest.

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Pachuca takes early lead

8:45 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

Pachuca's Gabriel Cabaelero scored the first goal of the game. It came on a free kick at the third minute of the game. Pachuca leads 1-0.
The Tuzos are really on the offensive in the early going. Dynamo goalie Wade Barnett already had one good save then just a few moments later a shot was wide.

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Pachuca fans love soccer

8:18 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil

Matt's pregame video blog


Hidalgo Stadium in Pachuca, Mexico is alive tonight. Every seat is full and the fans are standing at least 10 deep at each entrance to the stadium trying to get in. The only places that aren't jammed with people are some of the corporate suites.
I wondered what type of turnout we would because even though everyone gets in free tonight I have been told that the fans here consider the MLS the level of a college league.
I told that to Dynamo President Oliver Luc...



Dynamo ready for 'Mine Rats'

5:36 PM Thu, Apr 05, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

Dynamo vs. Pachuca
8:30 p.m.
Live game blog tonight



Matt Musil previews tonight's game


It's another sunny, cool day here at 8,000 feet above sea level. Every morning here is bright and sunny, but in the evenings it really cools off and we've had rain showers in the evening the past two days.
Ernesto Torres my photographer asked our taxi driver if they had an...



Dynamo prep for Pachuca match

4:21 PM Wed, Apr 04, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

By Matt Musil 11 News/Sports

Dynamo vs. Pachuca 8:30 p.m. tonight
Watch for our game blog from the stadium

Photographer Ernesto Torres and I are in the middle of our second day of spending time with the Houston Dynamo soccer team here in Pachuca, Mexico.
Before heading to practice we spent some time down in the central part of Pachuca. Centro Historico, they call it.

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In Mexico with Dynamo

8:42 PM Tue, Apr 03, 2007 |
TJ Aulds
By Matt Musil / 11 News Sports
I'm in Pachuca, Mexico with photographer Ernesto Torres as we cover the exploits of the Houston Dynamo soccer team. Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear had his players go through a short walk through this evening in the rain outside of the team hotel. The Dynamo will have their only full practice down here tomorrow morning. The altitude has to be a concern for Kinnear and his players because Pachuca, a mining city located about 60 miles Northeast of Mexico City, is sitting at about 8,000 feet above sea level. Kinnear has his full complement of players 18, on the trip, but only three sub...



Astros walk plank against Pirates

1:20 AM Tue, Apr 03, 2007 |
TJ Aulds

The Houston Astros blew a two-run lead in the season opener and fall to the Pirates.
Giff's video blog on Astros season opener

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Carlos Lee fitting in with Astros

12:16 PM Sun, Apr 01, 2007 |
Butch Alsandor

Do you remember what the last day of school felt like when
you were a kid? The Astros do. They feel the same freedom
when the last meaningless spring game is done.

On Friday the team was at Minute Maid Park setting up
their lockers for the real season.
It was a lockerroom filled with so much promise , and a lot
of laughter provided by Carlos Lee ? That's right , the Astros newest
slugger appears to fitting in really well with his new teammates .

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