Dynamo return to USOC play, seek Texas Two-Step
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo return to play in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tonight with a trip to take on in-state rival Austin FC in the Round of 16. Houston beat Phoenix Rising FC two weeks ago in the Round of 32. Austin beat El Paso Locomotive FC to advance to this round.
When: Wednesday, May 21 | 8:00 PM CT kickoff
Where: Q2 Stadium; Austin, Texas
TV/Stream: Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network
Road Warriors
Tonight’s match is the second of four straight road games for the Dynamo, in a span of 12 days. The road trip started Saturday in Frisco and now heads to Austin. After tonight the frequent flyer miles rack up a lot more with a trip to San Jose and then back across the country to New York City. Besides all the travel, this is a busy stretch of games for Houston. We should expect more rotation from the Dynamo lineup, especially with Ezequiel Ponce battling an injury now. Will tonight be Toyosi Olusanya’s first start for the club?
The Sheets are Clean
The Dynamo come into tonight’s match on the back of back-to-back clean sheets in wins over Minnesota and Dallas in league play. Houston held Minnesota to just 0.44 xG and Dallas to 0.81 xG. There have been a lot of moving parts with injuries and suspensions on the back line but the way the Dynamo play is beginning to click for whichever defenders are playing. The Dynamo also kept a clean sheet against Austin the last time they played, a month ago in MLS play. You’re not going to lose many games if you don’t let your opponent score. There’s some high-level analytics for you!
Capital City Curse Lifted
Houston lost the first five times they played Austin at Q2 Stadium. They finally broke that hex last season with a 1-0 win in September thanks to Coco Carrasquilla’s acrobatic goal. Now the Dynamo return to the Texas capital for the first time since that win. Austin won at home in the last round, coming back from a 2-0 deficit, but has won just three of eight home games this season in league play. They have scored just five goals at home this season in those eight games. It’s never easy playing on the road, especially amidst this busy stretch of games, but this could be a recipe for the Dynamo to go into Austin and get another big road victory on their search for another US Open Cup trophy.
Houston Dynamo – Availability report not listed
Austin FC – Availability report not listed
Predicted Lineup
