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Dynamo continue to roll with win over Union

Oct 30, 2011 - 11:59 PM Chester, PA (Sports Network) - The Houston Dynamo kicked off their postseason in similar fashion to how they ended their regular season, defeating the Philadelphia Union 2-1 at PPL Park on Sunday.

The Dynamo concluded its regular season campaign with a six-game unbeaten streak to narrowly edge the Union for second place in the Eastern Conference.

The formidable run has carried over into the playoffs, as Andre Hainault and Calen Carr handed Houston the advantage in a tough Philadelphia atmosphere, while Sebastien Le Toux notched a goal in between to keep the Union's hopes of advancing in tact.

Hainault gave the Dynamo an early lead, taking a set piece delivered by Brad Davis in the 5th minute and beating Union goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon with a header at the near post.

Philadelphia responded two minutes later, as an unmarked Le Toux tracked down a deflected cross and tucked home a low left-footed effort to equalize for the Union.

But Houston jumped out in front again. Brian Ching threaded a through ball into the box to find Carr, who stuffed a shot past an on-rushing Mondragon in the 30th minute.

The Union continued to apply pressure in search of an equalizer, which they thought they had found in the 88th minute, but Jack McInerney's header rattled the crossbar and back into play.

Houston finds itself in a prime position to advance to the Eastern Conference final, needing only a draw at Robertson Stadium on Thursday to go through.

Philadelphia will need to win by at least a two-goal margin in order to come out on top of the two-legged affair. Should the Union win by one goal, extra time will be needed to determine a winner.