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Houston Dynamo Advances to the Western Conference Final

By Arthur Fernandes

SANDY, UT - NOVEMBER 6: Amine Bassi #8 of the Houston Dynamo (2nd R) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against Real Salt Lake during the first half of the MLS Cup Western Conference Playoffs game 2 of the first round at the America First Field on November 6, 2023 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SANDY, UT - NOVEMBER 6: Amine Bassi #8 of the Houston Dynamo (2nd R) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against Real Salt Lake during the first half of the MLS Cup Western Conference Playoffs game 2 of the first round at the America First Field on November 6, 2023 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
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On Sunday night, Houston Dynamo FC added another thrilling chapter to its journey in MLS by defeating Sporting Kansas City 1-0, securing their spot in the Western Conference final. The decisive goal came from defender Franco Escobar, who expertly headed in a corner kick delivered by Héctor Herrera at the 39th minute, igniting a celebration among the crowd at Shell Energy Stadium.

The match, filled with moments of high tension and twists, showcased the remarkable performances of key players such as Nelson Quiñónes and Erik Sviatchenko, the latter involved in crucial plays both in defense and offense. Sporting KC also had its moments, creating dangerous opportunities but facing the solid performance of goalkeeper Steve Clark and controversial moments, including Sviatchenko’s disputed block against a shot from Dániel Sallói at the 41st minute.

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Coach Ben Olsen and his team are now just one victory away from reaching the coveted MLS Cup, scheduled for December 9. The rapid transformation of Houston Dynamo, who recently clinched the US Open Cup title, is noteworthy, especially considering the acquisition of 17 new players for this season.

PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 21: Amine Bassi #8 of Houston Dynamo controls the ball against the Portland Timbers during the second half at Providence Park on October 21, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 21: Amine Bassi #8 of Houston Dynamo controls the ball against the Portland Timbers during the second half at Providence Park on October 21, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images) /

Sporting Kansas City, which had been the dominant team in the Western Conference since May, faced defeat in a decisive game after a season marked by challenges and comebacks, overcoming a discouraging start of 10 winless games.

However, the match was not without controversies, with referee Guido Gonzales Jr. being a subject of debate for not enforcing stricter observation of plays, such as Sviatchenko’s challenge on Sallói in the first half. Nevertheless, Escobar’s goal made the difference, and Houston Dynamo moves confidently into the next phase of the playoffs.

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly Héctor Herrera, the “Man of the Match.” The Mexican star not only provided the assist for the winning goal but also demonstrated mastery in controlling the game, influencing both the team’s attack and defense.

With growing anticipation for the semifinals of the 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs against either the Seattle Sounders FC or LAFC, scheduled for December 2, Houston Dynamo fans can dream of adding another trophy to their remarkable campaign this season.

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