Dynamo's Playoff Dreams End in Penalty Drama Against Seattle

Pics: @Catalanoflicks

In a must win game the Houston Dynamo face off against Seattle Sounders in Game 2 of the MLS Playoffs. A recap of last game the Houston Dynamo faced Seattle in game 1 tying it 0-0 but losing in penalties 5-4. Today it’s a win or die situation for the Houston Dynamo needing to win this match to stay alive in the Playoffs force a game 3 and keep their hopes up to win this year’s MLS Cup.

Ponce. As the whistle blew the first five minutes, were intense with both teams pressuring each other mainly the Dynamos knowing how important it is to score first. As the game went on the fans started showing their frustration with the referee as he made controversial calls. Things get heated in the 14 th minute as Dorsey gets into a heated discussion with a Sounders player ending in a yellow card. In 25 minutes, the Dynamos managed to get 4 shots to the goal nonetheless still needing to capitalize on the opportunities. While for Seattle they have stayed calm knowing that the pressure is not on them but mainly on the Dynamo.

With only 5 minutes left of the first half the fans kept on showing

their love and support for the Dynamos and the Dynamos responded with a

kick that almost went in but was denied by Stefan Frei. In the 44 th minute

dos Santos would miss a pretty clear shot that would’ve given the Dynamos

the advantage. As we reach the 45 th minute the fourth ref would add an

additional time of 2 minutes.

The first half would come to an end with the score being 0-0 both teams not being able to damage one another. The second half would kick off and the Dynamo already with a plan starting to attack Seattle. 52 nd minute Bassi would have a shot kicking it but being blocked by Frei going into a corner kick. Once again Bassi with an opportunity in the 57 th minute but a miscommunication with Herrera ended in the goalie winning the ball but that wouldn’t stop there as in the 59 th minute Kowalczyk would take a long shot just inches wide from the goal.

The Dynamo would keep on attacking as once again an opportunity this

time Aliyu taking the ball getting rid of the defense, but the ball saved by

Frei. The crowd getting more louder once again showing their love to this

team. In the 63 rd minute Seattle is awarded a free kick but doesn’t manage

to capitalize. In the 65 th minute a controversial call as a review on the VAR

would give a red card to Hector Herrera for spitting at the official, Ben

Olsen would question the referee’s choice but would be given a yellow

card.

The fans showing their anger towards the Referee shouting and giving him a piece of their mind. A few minutes after the red card the Houston Dynamos offense seemed to be on halt as Seattle would start taking control of the game tuning down the Dynamos attack. The fans would start shouting “REF YOU SUCK” showing the official their disapproval of how he’s been managing this game.

With only 7 minutes left

for the Dynamo is either go for the winning goal or take this into penalties,

and for the Sounders it’s holding it off having confidence if they indeed go

into Penalty kicks. In the 86 th minute a heart-breaking goal would come as

Rondal would get a pass kicking it into the goal line Seattle taking the

advantage 1-0. The 90 minutes would hit and its all or nothing but two

minutes later the Dynamos would make a own goal by Ronald equalizing

this game and force a maybe penalties decision.

In the 98 th minute the

referee would end the regular time, and this game would be decided in a

penalty kick round. Unfortunately, the Dynamos would fall short 7-6 with

that ending a great season. In the post conference Ben Olsen showed hiss

appreciation to the fans and when asked about the official decisions

throughout the game he showed his discomfort. Also in the post-match

Ezequiel Ponce who had a great season being fundamental promises that

next year they will come back stronger.

Article by Fidel Legija