Philadelphia Union vs. Houston Dynamo – Sunday, October 30, 2011 – 5:00 p.m. ET UNION @ DYNAMO – 5/29/2010
HOUSTON ACQUAINTENCES
The first time Philadelphia Union met Houston Dynamo, they were able to record their first franchise away victory. After going into the half with a 1-0 lead, Philadelphia let two slip less than 15 minutes after the break. In an inspired final 30 minutes, Sebastien Le Toux equalized in the 69th-minute and Danny Mwanga scored deep into stoppage time to steal the three points with a 3-2 victory. The goal was the young forward’s second extra time goal in two games, the previous coming in a 1-1 tie against FC Dallas.
Philadelphia Union and Houston Dynamo have ten players that went to the same NCAA universities, all of whom come from the ACC. Houston’s Eddie Robinson (’9600), Corey Ashe (’03-06) Tyler Deric (’07) and Alex Dixon (’08-10) all spent time on Tobacco Road at the University of North Carolina, joining Philadelphia’s Sheanon Williams (’08) and Michael Farfan (’09-10). Houston’s Jason Garey (’02-05) went to the University of Maryland, as did Philadelphia’s Danny Califf (’98-00), Thorne Holder (‘07) and Zac MacMath (’08-10). Philadelphia assistant / goalkeeper coach Rob Vartughian coached and scouted for Maryland for seven straight seasons before moving to Philadelphia in 2009.
DYNAMO @ UNION – 10/02/2010 In the team’s second meeting, a pair of first half goals led to a 1-1 tie at PPL Park. Aside from conceding a goal in the 11th-minute, a solid defensive performance saw Philadelphia keep out 17 shots and 13 corner kicks. Manager Peter Nowak decided to rest some of his regulars including Danny Califf, Stafani Miglioranzi, Fred and Justin Mapp allowing a chance for younger players to shine. Roger Torres, in particular, made his presence known when he sent a perfect ball to Sebastien Le Toux to even the score at one. The 19-year old Colombian proved to be a handful for the Houston defense throughout the match. UNION @ DYNAMO – 3/19/2011 In the opening game of Houston’s final season at Robertson Field, Philadelphia Union scored early and were able to hold on to a 1-0 lead. The result was largely due to a fearless defensive performance. The backline was able to keep out 19 shots and eight corner kicks from Houston Dynamo. The win was one that set the tone for the season, instilling a confidence that the team could get the job done away from PPL Park after a 2-12-1 road record during the inaugural 2010 season. The only goal came when Sheanon Williams threw the ball into the box and found Sebastien Le Toux about six yards out. His shot ricocheted off the cross bar where Danny Califf was waiting to poke it in. The tally was the defender’s first goal with the Union.
DYNAMO BACK IN THE PLAYOFFS Houston Dynamo have a rich history of qualifying for the MLS playoffs. Since their inaugural season in 2006, Houston has made the playoffs every season besides 2010. In those four appearances they have made the Championship Final three times (2006, ‘07, ‘09) and MLS Cup twice (‘06, ‘07), winning on both occasions. Philadelphia Union are looking to mimic Houston’s sophomore success and show the Texas club an early exit this time around.
UNION VS. DYNAMO BY THE NUMBERS Offensive Conversion Rate (Goals/Shots) 2010 – Philadelphia 11.67% (35/300) vs. Houston 12.27% (40/326) 2011 – Philadelphia 10.81% (44/407) vs. Houston 10.02% (45/449) Defensive Conversion Rate (Goals Allowed/Opposition Shots on Goal) 2010 – Philadelphia 33.33% (49/147) vs. Houston 39.20% (49/125) 2011 – Philadelphia 34.62% (36/104) vs. Houston 28.67% (41/143)
UNION VS. DYNAMO: A HISTORY Going into the playoff series vs. Houston Dynamo, Philadelphia Union know they have a history of success against the Texas franchise. Over four games played, Philadelphia has won twice and tied twice. Both of Union’s wins have come away from home and the two ties have been home at PPL Park. If you were to look at the aggregate of those four games, Philadelphia would be ahead 6-4 with an impressive four away goals. If Philadelphia can continue their track record against Houston Dynamo over the next two games they will advance to the Eastern Conference Championship.
NOWAK VS. HOUSTON DYNAMO Aside from the four games vs. Houston Dynamo as Union manager, Peter Nowak was manager of D.C. United twice against Houston in 2006, Dynamo’s inaugural season. The teams split the season series, the first matchup favoring United 2-0 and the second going to Dynamo 1-0. Overall Nowak boasts three wins, one loss and two ties against Houston.