A year ago, neither the Houston Dynamo nor the Philadelphia Union qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs. Heading into 2011 though, most expected more from the Dynamo as Geoff Cameron returned fully healthy and Will Bruin was drafted to help the attack. Philadelphia didn't care much for what was expected in the first half of their match at Houston though and took a 1-0 lead that they have held on to with 45 minutes to play.
Philadelphia Vs. Houston: Union Hold Unexpected Halftime Lead
The Union struck after just five minutes when Sheanon Williams throw in deep in the Houston half took the Dynamo by surprise. The throw made it to the middle of the pitch and while the Dynamo were watching, Sebastian Le Toux was settling it from five yards away and turning it on goal. The Frenchman's shot hit the cross bar, but it bounced back to Danny Califf who was a wide open net to knock the ball into for the Union lead.
Goals for the Union aren’t much of a surprise. They did well to tally at a respectable rate last season, but keeping other teams from scoring was a whole other story and their keeping Houston off of the scoreboard is the real story. Philadelphia hasn’t been the most organized, but a good sliding block from Califf and quality tackles have helped save a Philadelphia defense that has clearly improved.
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