Houston Dynamo FC edges Real Salt Lake in thrilling playoff shootout

Photo credit: Houston Dynamo FC
Used with permission.

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserves

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 11, 2023)  In a heart-stopping showdown at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday night, Houston Dynamo FC clinched a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals of the Audi MLS playoffs by triumphing over Real Salt Lake 4-3 in a penalty shootout. The captivating encounter concluded with a 1-1 draw in regulation, setting the stage for a nail-biting series of penalty kicks.

The victory propels the Dynamo into the conference semifinals for the eighth time in the club's history, adding another chapter to their storied postseason legacy. Their next challenge awaits, as they are set to face Sporting Kansas City on either Saturday, Nov. 25, or Sunday, Nov. 26. Houston holds a favorable 4-1 record over Sporting in their postseason history.

The penalty shootout drama began with a crucial save from Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark, denying Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna. However, the intensity soared as both teams traded successful penalties until Houston's Nelson Quinones had his shot saved by Salt Lake's Zac MacMath. The tension reached its peak when Salt Lake's Danny Musovski hit the left post, paving the way for Griffin Dorsey's decisive shot that secured the 4-3 shootout victory for the Dynamo.

Houston had initially taken the lead in the 28th minute with a well-crafted goal. Captain Hector Herrera delivered a precise cross to Quiñónes, who expertly played the ball across to Corey Baird for the opening goal. Baird's clinical finish marked his first-ever MLS postseason goal, setting the Dynamo faithful alight.

Real Salt Lake, however, responded in the 65th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 with a goal from Diego Luna off a cross from Bryan Oviedo. The back-and-forth action kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the regulation period.

Herrera showcased his playmaking prowess, finishing the night with three chances created. His contribution in the final third has been a consistent highlight for the Dynamo, tallying an impressive 17 assists in the regular season.

The Dynamo faced adversity early on when they conceded the first shot of the game in the fourth minute, but resilient defending and the heroics of goalkeeper Steve Clark kept Salt Lake at bay. Clark's two key saves during regulation played a crucial role in preserving the deadlock.

The game was the sixth meeting between the two squads this year, and the Dynamo maintained an unbeaten record against Salt Lake in regulation, boasting a 3-0-3 (WLD) record in all competitions.