Houston Dynamo look to extend unbeaten run as they host the Philadelphia Union

The Houston Dynamo will meet the Philadelphia Union for the first time of the 2018 season. The Union and Dynamo find themselves in similar positions with both sides outside of a playoff spot. Both clubs have also had a busy stretch with US Open Cup games this past Wednesday and games over the weekend, however, the Union do not have a fixture this weekend so they won’t have to play as conservatively with rest coming sooner than it will come for the Dynamo.

Houston Dynamo

For the Dynamo, even with a nice four game unbeaten run beginning July 3rd in a draw against LAFC , they’ve only managed a single win in those games. The schedule has been pretty congested with US Open Cup in the mix, but three points have been tough to come by. The Dynamo’s attacking trio of Mauro Manotas, Alberth Elis, and Romell Quioto has been productive and will need to continue their form against the visiting Union side.

Last week the Dynamo hosted FC Dallas and they fought out a 1-1 draw. FCD flew out of the gate with an opening minute goal by Matt Hedges, but a very good sequence of play by Houston a few minutes later saw them equalize. FC Dallas would earn a penalty, but big Joe Willis was able to save the kick to keep the game level. Inside the same minute, Mauro Manotas was able to put the ball in the net, but VAR ruled that he was in an offside position which disallowed the goal.

Philadelphia Union

The Union have been up and down in form with losses and wins coming in spurts. They have been largely scoring goals by committee, but midfielder Borek Dockal has led the way with 5 goals to go along with his team leading 7 assists.

The visiting Union are coming off a disappointing 3-1 loss to the LA Galaxy. The Union led in that game thanks to a well re-directed goal by CJ Sapong, but the Galaxy came back with Zlatan Ibrahimovic supplying Ola Kamara and then getting one himself in the 63^rd minute. To put the game away was Michael Ciani in the 82^nd minute who headed a goal in following a corner kick. Philadelphia will surely look to get away from that game by showing up against Houston before getting a bit of a break.

Deets

Who: Houston Dynamo vs. Philadelphia Union

Where: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, TX

When: Wednesday July 25^th at 8 PM CT