Le Toux's Goal Fuels Philadelphia Union in 1-0 Win Vs. Columbus Crew

September 17, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS) - Philadelphia Union News Release

CHESTER, Pa. (September 17, 2011) - Featuring a lineup with an average age under 24, the Philadelphia Union (9-7-12, 39 points) snapped an eight-game winless drought Saturday, edging the first-place Columbus Crew (11-10-8, 41 points) 1-0 in front of an overflow crowd of 18,906. Sebastien Le Toux tallied the match's lone goal off a long through ball from Roger Torres, while Zac MacMath and the defense held for Philadelphia's second consecutive shutout.

Both sides came into Saturday's game shorthanded with the Union missing Justin Mapp (quad strain), Veljko Paunović (calf strain) and Faryd Mondragón (broken finger). The Crew were without Chad Marshall (hip flexor strain), Emilio Rentiera (concussion), Eddie Gaven (lower leg contusion) and Emmanuel Ekpo (red card suspension).

In the end, Union moved within two points of first place, well within striking distance with six regular season matches remaining.

Philadelphia's first and currently only Home Grown Player, 16-year-old Zach Pfeffer, drew the start, his first MLS appearance. Recently-signed midfielder Morgan Langley also earned his first MLS appearance, coming on in the 80th minute.

In a match that was short on chances, a beautiful through ball from Torres to Le Toux in the 32nd minute was the difference when the Frenchman calmly finished for his seventh goal of the season and sixth in the last six games.

Columbus' best chance of the match came in the 16th minute when leading scorer Andres Mendoza struck from distance, but his attempt was parried away by MacMath. It turned out to be the only shot on target for the Crew all game.

The Union return to action on Friday with a key road game against Sporting Kansas City, before hosting D.C. United next Thursday in the club's second-to-last home game.

• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

Major League Soccer Stories from September 17, 2011

• RSL red-hot - Real Salt Lake
• New York Stays In Playoff Hunt With Hard-fought Victory And A Two-game Homestand Ahead - New York Red Bulls
• Sounders FC win 3-0 victory - Seattle Sounders FC
• FC Dallas falls 1-0 to New York Red Bulls - FC Dallas
• Earthquakes Fall 2-1 to Houston Dynamo on the Road - San Jose Earthquakes
• Sporting Kansas City Drops 1-0 Decision at Real Salt Lake - Sporting Kansas City
• Game Notes: Sounders FC Vs. D.C. United - September 17, 2011 - Seattle Sounders FC
• Le Toux's Goal Fuels Philadelphia Union in 1-0 Win Vs. Columbus Crew - Philadelphia Union
• Late Game Heroics Help 10-Man Chicago Fire Down Chivas USA 3-2 - Chicago Fire FC
• Chicago Fire Honor 11 of Chicago's Most Influential Hispanic Leaders - Chicago Fire FC
• Timbers Extend Unbeaten Streak with 3-0 Win Over Revolution - Portland Timbers

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Philadelphia Union Stories

• Union Fall Short in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs
• Philadelphia Union Sign Midfielder Sanders Ngabo
• Seven Philadelphia Union Players Receive International Call Ups
• Union Advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs; Face FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium
• Union win opening match of 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 series