Contentious penalty gives Kandji’s Dynamo late win

The Houston Dynamo of Macoumba Kandji preserved their undefeated record at BBVA Compass Stadium with a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union.

Brian Ching’s 83rd minute penalty was his first goal in Houston's new home, where the Dynamo have recorded a 4-0-2 record since its opening. Houston came out strong, dominating possession in the early going, and it was no surprise when Houston opened the scoring in the 19th minute.

Oscar Boniek-Garcia's low cross was taken by Macoumba Kandji and played into the path of Brad Davis, who buried his shot inside the netting of the far post. The Union bounced back with a goal less than a minute after the restart.

Keon Daniel turned and rifled a shot low past Tally Hall, who didn't even move as he watched the equalizer roll in. Houston found its winner through substitute Brian Ching late on. The former U.S. national team striker went sprawling in the box under minimal contact from Gabriel Farfan and, despite protests from the Union players, he sufficiently recovered to step up and convert his spot kick, sending Zac Macmath the wrong way.

The win keeps Kandji’s Dynamo in fifth place in the Eastern Conference on 23 points and they host the Chicago Fire next.