Dynamo erupt in extra time to advance to USOC Round of 16
(image via Matthew Andujo)
The Houston Dynamo entered the 2025 edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in the Round of 32 where they took on Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday night. The USL Championship side hosted the match as they tried to beat MLS competition for the first time in their history. The Dynamo looked to make it past their first match, which they were unable to do in 2024 when they defended their title and lost to Detroit City FC.
Ben Olsen and the Houston coaching staff made a number of changes with just two starters remaining in the lineup from Saturday’s loss to LAFC. Franco Escobar and captain Artur were the only holdovers in an eleven that saw the debut of defender Pablo Ortiz and Felipe Andrade coming up from Dynamo 2.
Andrade made his senior team debut in the Dynamo’s friendly against El Salvador but this match marked his first competitive action with the big club. The Brazilian made his mark on the first team early on, heading the opening goal in after just 8 minutes. A free kick from outside the box was swung in by Nico Lodeiro and Andrade was first to get to it, giving Houston the early 1-0 lead.
Rookie Blake Gillingham returned as the Dynamo goalkeeper and played a big part in the end of the first half. He made a big save in the 44th minute, getting across his goal to deny a header from close range. But, minutes later, Gillingham came off his line and took out Ihsan Sacko, giving Phoenix a penalty kick. Dariusz Formella slotted the spot kick home in the 4th minute of first half stoppage time to tie the game at 1-1 and send the teams to their locker rooms.
Houston made one change coming out of half time, replacing Ortiz with Femi Awodesu. Lodeiro looked to get in on the end of a great chance in the 51st minute as the ball made its way to the back post. The Uruguayan couldn’t get a clean shot on goal and his effort hit the side netting.
The Dynamo made three subs after the hour mark, bringing Ezequiel Ponce, Brooklyn Raines, and Jack McGlynn into the match to try and find a second goal. Ondrej Lingr came on in the final 10 minutes as well, but as much as the Dynamo pushed for a second goal, it wasn’t to come in the second half. Ethan Bartlow’s 83rd minute header that was pushed aside by Phoenix goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky was the closest the Dynamo would get to scoring. Extra time would be required in this Round of 32 match.
Daniel Steres replaced Andrade to begin extra time as the additional 30 minutes woud look to decide a winner before penalty kicks would be required. Nine minutes into the extra period, McGlynn showed the magic that his left foot holds. Brooklyn Raines laid the ball off and McGlynn cut in from the right. The youngester unleashed a howitzer from distance into the top corner to give the Dynamo a 2-1 lead.
McGlynn’s golazo sent Houston to the extra time break up a goal. Phoenix came out in the second 15 minutes pressing for another equalizer. Femi Awodesu clattered a Rising player in the box but no foul was called. Moments later McGlynn sprung Lingr with a wonderful ball into space. Ponce made the run into the box and Lingr picked him out. The Argentine tucked in the third goal to put the tie to bed, making it 3-1 in the 112th minute.
Houston would add a fourth, for good measure in the 115th minute. Lingr once again was the orchestrator. He found space on the right and fired a ball in front of goal. Sebastian Kowalczyk slid in to tap in the goal to make it 4-1.
The Dynamo will now advance to the Round of 16 where they will travel to take on Austin FC. That match will be either May 20 or 21. Before that, Houston will return to league play this weekend, hosting the Seattle Sounders on Saturday at Shell Energy Stadium.
