Houston Dynamo down Philadelphia Union, qualify for MLS Cup playoffs

The Houston Dynamo are headed to the MLS Cup playoffs.

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2012 TexSport Publications
 (Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography)

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 20, 2012)  The Houston Dynamo (14-8-11, 53 pts) punched their ticket to their sixth appearance in the MLS playoffs with a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on Saturday evening.

The Dynamo jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the fifth minute when forward Macoumba Kandji drilled the ball past

Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath to clinch his fourth goal of the season.

Philadelphia came right back and evened it up in the 19 minute when forward Jack McInereny took a solid pass from defender Shannon Williams and aptly put in past Dynamo goalkeeper for the score.

Both teams headed to the locker room at halftime with the score tied at one.

In the second half, the Dynamo scored two unanswered goals in the 71^st and 75^th minute.

Boniek Garcia scored the Dynamo’s second goal from an assist by Brian Ching.

The goal was the fourth of the season for the young midfielder from Honduras.

Houston added the insurance goal in the 75^th minute when Brad Davis nailed a penalty kick past MacMath.

They were awarded the kick when Union defender Carlos Valdes took down Will Bruin in the box on a breakaway.

The win sends the Dynamo into the MLS playoffs with one league game to go in the season.

Houston will finish the regular season on Saturday, Sept. 27 when they travel to Commerce City to face the Colorado Rapid.

Before their meeting with the Rapid, the Dynamo will take to the pitch at BBVA Compass Stadium on Tuesday evening where they will face Olimpia in a Champions League stage four game.

Kickoff on Tuesday is set for 7:00 p.m. CDT while the game versus the Rapids will begin at 8:00 p.m. CDT.