The penultimate week of Major League Soccer play finished up the playoff picture, and the Houston Dynamo earned the final spot in the East during the push.
Houston went into the weekend needing to win over Philadelphia to control their destiny, and they earned a 3-1 victory over the Union at BBVA Compass Stadium. The Columbus Crew couldn't hold on against DC United, losing 3-2, and the Dynamo were guaranteed a playoff berth with Columbus sitting four points out.
The Dynamo can finish anywhere from fifth to third in the playoff chase depending on how the final week goes. They sit one point behind the New York Red Bulls and three behind the Chicago Fire. If both of those teams lose and the Dynamo win in the final weekend of the regular season, Houston could push above both of them to sit behind Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United.
At the very least, we know that the Dynamo will get a shot to defend their 2011 Eastern Conference title this season.