Houston Dynamo Beat Philadelphia Union to Advance in MLS Playoffs

HOUSTON (AP) — Brian Ching scored at the end of the first half, and the Houston Dynamo defeated the Philadelphia Union 1-0 Thursday night to advance to the MLS Eastern Conference finals.

Houston won the two-game series 3-1 on aggregate scoring after a 2-1 win Sunday at Philadelphia. The Dynamo play Sporting Kansas City on Sunday in Kansas City for the chance to move on to the MLS Cup for the first time since 2007 when they won their second of back-to-back titles.

Ching scored in first half stoppage time, taking a free kick by Brad Davis and heading it in from the penalty spot and into the upper right corner, just inside the far post.