Union fall in Houston

At the end of a busy week, the Union chose to break up the lineup that had produced their best soccer of the season.

The moves did not help in a 2-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The Union played their third game in seven days. Interim manager Jim Curtin's starting lineup took into account those weary legs. Both of the club's first-round draft picks this year made their Major League Soccer debuts.

Andre Blake, the No. 1 overall pick, started in goal instead of Zac MacMath, who had played in every MLS game. Pedro Ribeiro started at forward in place of Conor Casey.

The Jamaican goalkeeper had a couple of misplays on aggressive plays in his own penalty area, but was not helped by his defense on either on goal. Blake made seven saves.

The Dynamo struck in the 51st minute. Giles Barnes came streaking down the left sideline on a quick counterattack. He centered the ball for Will Bruin, who was behind the defense, and hammered the ball past Blake.

The Dynamo sealed the win on an own-goal by the Union in the 90th minute. Omar Cummings' cross deflected off defender Ray Gaddis and into the net.

The Dynamo (7-12-14), who won for the second time in 11 games, moved two points behind the Union (6-9-9) for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Houston has a game in hand.

The Union were unbeaten in their last five regular-season games (2-0-3). They hadn't lost in more than a month of MLS play.

MacMath, who had started every MLS game, may have seen his last action with the Union for some time. Algerian national goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi will join the club Monday, and has been anointed the starter.

MacMath saved two penalty kicks Tuesday night to help the Union advance past FC Dallas and into the U.S. Open Cup final against Seattle on Sept. 16 at PPL Park.

Central defender Carlos Valdes, who sat out Tuesday, returned to the lineup. Cristian Maidana did not play. He has been hampered by a hamstring injury.

The Union are 0-1-1 against Houston this season. The teams played to a scoreless draw at PPL Park in April.

The Union will get plenty of rest now. They do not play again until Aug. 24, when they host San Jose.