Union out of playoffs, but Le Toux plays hard in 1-1 tie with Dynamo

While the Union's Major League Soccer season winds down, Sebastien Le Toux refuses to go through the motions.

On a day the Union were eliminated from MLS playoff consideration, Le Toux performed at the all-star level he has displayed all season.

During a season of highlight-film goals, Le Toux may have topped himself with a spectacular score in Saturday's 1-1 tie with the Houston Dynamo in front of 16,115 at PPL Park in Chester.

About a half-hour before the game, Seattle's 3-2 win over Toronto FC officially eliminated the Union (7-13-7) from playoff consideration.

Though some Union veterans such as Danny Califf, Stefani Miglioranzi, Justin Mapp, and Fred didn't play, Le Toux was his usual dangerous self.

In the 25th minute, he walked in on goal but dribbled too far, and goalkeeper Pat Onstad slid to get to the ball first.

Then, in the 34th minute, it appeared that Le Toux had been taken down in the box, but there was no call. Still, he kept applying pressure, and it paid off in the 40th minute.

Midfielder Roger Torres sent a long chip to Le Toux, who trapped it in the air with his left foot, flicked it to his right, and one-timed it from the 6-yard line for his 13th goal of the season.

It was a remarkable play that showcased his creativity, explosiveness, and unbelievable touch.

"I think not too many guys can score and control the ball like that, especially in a full-speed run," Union team manager Peter Nowak said. "He deserves more credit than he probably wished for because he is a top candidate for the MVP this season."

Le Toux credited Torres, who is among the most creative players on the team.

"I made a good run and Roger gave me a great ball, and I was lucky in my touch," Le Toux said. "Sometimes the ball bounces differently, but this time it didn't."

It didn't because Le Toux controlled it while going full-speed.

Houston (7-14-6) scored first, after Brad Davis blasted a shot that Brad Knighton punched out. Andrew Hainault fired in the rebound from 6 yards out in the 12th minute.

Houston had a chance to win it, but Cam Weaver's header in front of the goal was wide during second-half stoppage time.

The Union have three games remaining, including Thursday's 8 p.m. match at PPL Park against David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and the Los Angeles Galaxy.