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Union-Dynamo Preview

May 28, 2010 - 7:19 PM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Philadelphia (1-5-1) at Houston (5-4-1), 8:30 p.m. EDT

Brian Ching's week got off to a disappointing start when the Houston Dynamo star learned he wouldn't be going to South Africa for next month's World Cup.

Still, Ching will be on the field Saturday night against the expansion Philadelphia Union as he tries to help the Dynamo post back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Ching was part of the United States' roster for the 2006 World Cup, but didn't play. After making the preliminary roster this year, the 32-year-old forward was left off when the final list was released this week.

A hamstring injury that kept him out for almost the entire first month of the season likely played a large part in the omission. Ching practiced Wednesday despite being given the option to stay home.

"To sit at home with this weighing on my mind would have been difficult, so the best thing for me to do is to come in and have a good time with the guys," he told the Dynamo's official website. "It is definitely the best medicine."

Ching, who led Houston (5-4-1) last season with eight goals, has yet to find the back of the net in three games this year. However, he may have better luck against Philadelphia (1-5-1), which has the second-worst record in MLS, and is tied with New England for second-most goals allowed with 15.

The Dynamo are coming off a victory over the team with the league's worst record, 2-0 over DC United last Saturday. Danny Cruz and Dominic Oduro scored, and Tally Hall made two saves in his first MLS start.

"We needed that win," Cruz said. "It was real important to get those three points and jump hopefully back on the table."

However, Pat Onstad may be back in goal after returning from international duties with Canada. Three of his four wins this season have been by shutout.

The Union (1-5-1) return to league action for the first time since snapping a four-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas on May 15. Rookie Danny Mwanga, the first overall pick in the most recent MLS draft, scored his first goal as stoppage time was about the expire in the 94th minute.

"It was a great feeling to get the goal for the whole club," Mwanga said. "We needed it. ... I don't think anyone in here is happy we got a tie, but it came at a good time."

Midfielder Sebastien Le Toux has four of Philadelphia's seven goals.

The Union are still looking for their first road win of the season after losing the first five by a combined score of 12-3. They visit Chicago and Kansas City before returning home June 27 to open their new stadium in nearby Chester against Seattle.