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

Giles Barnes stole the show from Clint Dempsey with two goals in a 3tangling-1 Dynamo win :: Troy Taormin/USA TODAY Sports/SI

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.