Dempsey's first Sounders start overshadowed by Dynamo's Barnes

The tension was a product of the match's significance. New England's 2-0 win lifts it to sixth place in the Eastern Conference above the playoff contenders

The tension was a product of the match's significance. New England's 2-0 win lifts it to sixth place in the Eastern Conference above the playoff contenders but the Fire are now five points adrift of Houston, which is fifth.