Union Vs. Dynamo Score: Houston Eliminates Philadelphia 1-0

The Philadelphia Union needed to beat the Houston Dynamo by one goal in order to keep their Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff hopes alive on Thursday night in Robertson Stadium.

Instead, they lost by one.

That means "Orange Crush" is on the fast-track to Kansas to play Sporting Kansas City on Sunday. The Union, well, they’re on the fast-track to winter break.

Despite some last-minute dramatics by Veljko Paunovic, Philadelphia was just unable to get past Houston goalie Tally Hall, who was stingy inside the net throughout his shutout performance.

Houston striker Brian Ching used his head at the 45 minute mark to put the Dynamo on top one-zip just before the half.

Turns out that’s the only point they needed.

For more on tonight’s game, as well as a look into the 2012 season, be sure to visit our team page, or our Philadelphia Union blog Brotherly Game by clicking here and here.

Union Vs. Dynamo Score: Houston Leads Philadelphia 1-0 At Halftime

The Philadelphia Union traveled to Robertson Stadium for their second leg against the Dynamo on Thursday night (Nov. 3, 2011) in Houston.

Philadelphia, who is facing elimination with a loss, trails 1-0 at halftime.

Both teams were deadlocked 0-0 as time was running out; however, Houston striker Brian Ching hit a header at 45' to put the Dynamo on top one-zip at the half.

SB Nation's own Jay King explains what's at stake:

If the Union win by one goal, the teams will compete in a pair of 15-minute overtime periods, followed by penalty kicks if necessary to break a tie. If the Union win by more than one goal, they will advance to the Conference Finals to meet Sporting Kansas City. And if the Union draw or lose, they will have been eliminated from the MLS playoffs.

Clearly the Union have a lot of work to do if they intend on saving their season. Time is running out and they need to find the net -- fast.

Stay tuned.

Philadelphia Union At Houston Dynamo Game Time, TV Info & More

The Philadelphia Union know the stakes when they travel to Robertson Stadium for their second leg with the Houston Dynamo Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. - win or go home.