Union Head To Texas To Battle Dynamo Saturday Night

by Matt Leon

PHILADLEPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Union will be on the road on Saturday night as they visit the Houston Dynamo down in Texas.

Philadelphia lost its last match in MLS action on Saturday to Vancouver at home, 3-2. But despite that, the Union are still alone in first place in the Eastern Conference with 26 points and this past Wednesday they beat New York Red Bulls to advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.

"It's been a great year so far," Union midfielder Leo Fernandes tells KYW Newsradio. "We have a great group, we're playing well and hopefully going down to Houston to get three more points."

Listen to the entire interview with the Union's Leo Fernandes

Fernandes has seen limited action this season, playing in eight matches (with two starts). But the Union attack is being hampered by injuries right now, so there is a good chance Fernandes could play a key role against the Dynamo.

"I've been preparing all year for an opportunity," Fernandes says. "I think this weekend will be a good chance to show what I can do. I'll be ready if my name is called upon, no matter where (head coach Jim Curtin) puts me, and I think I'll be very positive for the group."

Houston is last in the Western Conference with just 14 points. But while they have been woeful on the road (0-7-2), they have been tough at home to the tune of a 3-1-3 mark.

"Houston, especially playing at Houston, is always difficult," Fernandes says. "But I think we'll be prepared if we just focus on what we do best and then when we get our chances we have to finish them. I think Houston, they're playing much better as of late, but I think we'll be fine."

Saturday night's match gets underway at 9:00pm Eastern.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.