Dynamo’s Playoff Push Stalls in Costly 2-1 Loss to Quakes
(image via Aldo Canale)
The Houston Dynamo came into Saturday’s match against San Jose at Shell Energy Stadium knowing they sat just three points behind the Earthquakes and the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. There are still games to play but nothing short of a win would do for Houston in this match. Unfortunately, the home woes that have plagued the Dynamo all season showed up again at the worst time.
San Jose opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Fullback DeJuan Jones drove down the right wing and fired a low cross in front of goal. Preston Judd ran to the near post and just missed getting a flick on the ball. Nevertheless, it found its way in front of goal where Cristian Arango beat the Dynamo defenders and pushed it into the back of the net.
Houston looked to strike back. A great run on the right from Girffin Dorsey picked out Junior Urso in the box but San Jose goalkeeper Daniel pushed it away. The Dynamo thought they had the equalizer as the half came to an end. Ezequiel Ponce rose to head in a Dorsey cross but the offside flag immediately went up, cutting the celebrations short.
Houston went behind at home again, a far too familiar sight in 2025. San Jose doubled their lead in the second half, after the hour mark. A Judd shot forced a save from Bond and gave the Earthquakes a corner kick in the 64th minute. Daniel Munie won the header over Dorsey and put the ball into the path of Ian Harkes. The midfielder thumped his shot past Bond to give San Jose a 2-0 lead.
The Dynamo pulled a goal back, thanks to a howler from Daniel. Jack McGlynn’s corner in the 72nd minute found the head of Antonio Carlos and the newcomer put his shot on target. The ball went right through the hands of the Quakes keeper, making the score 2-1 and giving Houston a bit of life.
That life didn’t turn into anything as the 90 minutes ran out without the Dynamo finding an equalizer. Houston fell 2-1 to San Jose, a result that puts a huge dent in their hopes of qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Dynamo will now go on the road to St. Louis next weekend, knowing they essentially need three points from every match going forward. Even that might not be enough after slipping further away from the line with tonight’s loss.
