Player Ratings: RSL 5-2 Houston Dynamo

Nick Rimando - 7.5 Rimando had a fantastic PK save that prevented what could have been a catastrophic momentum shift in the Dynamo's favor. What kind of goalkeeper do we have when we pretty well expect him to make PK saves? The best in MLS, that's what kind.

Chris Wingert - 6.5 Wingert did pretty well throughout, not a highlight reel performance, but that is not necessary every game. Unfortunately he went down taking a hit on the chin.

Nat Borchers - 5.5 Borchers lost his mark on the first Sherrod goal, plain and simple. We all know Borchers does not usually get caught making those kinds of mistakes, so this game was out of the ordinary for him.

Aaron Maund - 6.5 Maund had a good night but did get caught pushing in the box that led to a PK opportunity for Houston. Even if Horst did embellish it, he should not have put the ref in a position to make that call. One of his plays that stood out was when he was able to keep the ball for an extended period of time preventing a Houston corner. It was pure determination.

Tony Beltran - 7 Beltran looked as good as usual getting up and down the field, defending well and getting into the attack. His passing was sharp as well. A nice night from this future USMNT starter.

Kyle Beckerman - 7 Beckerman did not notch a goal or assist, but he did what he needed to to help his team win and allowed Morales to excel. Beckerman really did well on the defensive side of things.

Luke Mulholland - 8 Mulholland's goal was a pretty one with a nice touch around the keeper that allowed him to slot it home. Besides his goal, he also set up Sabo for a header that took the wind out of Houston's sails. Muholland continues to make the case that he should be the starter and even play the full 90 minutes.

Ned Grabavoy - 7 Grabavoy had a couple chances to score but was unable to convert unfortunately. His assist on Morales' second goal was a thing of beauty, however.

Javier Morales - 9.5 What a night for Morales. It was a career night, in fact, with a hat trick and an assist. He also had a handful of key passes that gave his teammates a chance to score. Just when we were wondering when Morales was going to put one in, he put in three.

Joao Plata - 7 Plata did not have the rip-roaring game we are used to now, but he did have a nice game including a corner assist that gave Morales his second on the night. It was nice of Plata to share the wealth a bit and give his teammates some chances to score.

Alvaro Saborio - 8 A goal and an assist is always going to lead to a high rating. That header was prototypical of what Saborio is good at. Saborio had a fantastic last game with RSL before heading off to the Costa Rican selection.

Substitutes

Abdoulie Mansally - 5.5 Mansally came on and covered well in Wingert's absence, but did not have a performance that lauds much praise.

Devon Sandoval - 6 Sandoval had a couple chances that he really could have done more with, but he did give Morales his third goal with the PK call. He would have scored had Tally Hall not pulled him down on a open net.

Cole Grossman - 6.5 Grossman came on for Plata to provide more possession in the midfield and it worked like a charm. He brought RSL back in terms of calming down and holding up the ball. He was the best substitution on the night.