Match Recap: Heavy legs show as the Union fall to the Houston Dynamo 2-0

Philadelphia rounded up their 3 game week tonight in Houston against the Houston Dynamo, who are 9th in the Eastern Conference.  With such a long stretch of games, interim manager Jim Curtin switched up the lineup tonight, giving much deserved rest to a few players.  A surprising addition to the Union’s lineup was Andre Blake, who was between the posts instead of Zac MacMath. After a great showing during the US Open Cup and two great saves during penalty kicks, it was a surprise that  MacMath was not included in the XI. Pedro Ribeiro, who has been on loan, was flown into Houston and provided fresh legs for the Union. The most interesting starter tonight had to be Maurice Edu, who has played more than 225 minutes in the past week and a half between the  MLS All Star Game and Union games.

First Half

Philadelphia and Houston played a scoreless first half that did not lead to many chances by either side. Most of the play took place in the middle of the field, with a lot of back and forth play with most of the chances easily cleared away by the defense on both teams. Andre Blake showed a lot of confidence in lieu of Zac MacMath, making a game saving deflection to keep the Union level with the Dynamo going into the locker room. For a team that has logged as many minutes as the Union have this past week, although an unproductive half, it appeared to be a solid one.

Second Half

Houston Dynamo came out of the locker room with an energized side and Will Bruin scored in the 51st minute after he was left unmarked in the box. Following the goal, Houston created many chances and the Union were graced with pure luck and unfinished crosses from Houston. Philadelphia struggled with tired legs in the second half and Houston took full advantage of a depleted Union side. The biggest save of the match came from Andre Blake who denied Will Bruin twice during a 1v1 breakaway from the Dynamo. While the game appeared it would end as a 1-0 loss for the Union, an own goal off a deflection by Ray Gaddis occurred in the 90th minute and the Union were shutout for the first time Since May 10th.

Philadelphia gets nine days off to recover and play at home against  San Jose on August 24th, 2014 at 8pm.

Philadelphia Union (4-3-3)

Andre Blake; Fabinho, Carlos Valdes, Maurice Edu, Ray Gaddis; Brian Carroll, Amobi Okugo; Vincent Nogueira (Fred 72′); Danny Cruz (Andrew Wenger 61′), Sebastian Le Toux (Conor Casey 76′), Pedro Ribeiro

Houston Dynamo (4-4-2)

Tallly Hall; Kofi Sarkodie, David  Horst, Jermaine Taylor, DeMarcus Beasley; Oscar Garcia (Brian Ownby 90′ + 1′), Luis Garrido, Ricardo Clark, Brad Davis (Andrew Driver 76′); Giles Barnes, Will  Bruin (Omar Cummings 87′)

Scoring Summary: 

Houston Dynamo: Will Bruin 51′

Houston Dynamo: Own Goal 90′

Disciplinary:

Houston Dynamo: David Horst (yellow) 28′

Philadelphia Union: Danny Cruz (yellow) 45+

Houston Dynamo: DaMarcus Beasley (yellow) 58′

 

Picture Courtesy of Major League Soccer