SEATTLE (Oct. 28, 2024) – Houston Dynamo FC fell 5-4 in a penalty shootout at Seattle Sounders FC tonight in Game 1 of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 Series. Despite playing the final 25 minutes of the match with 10 men, Houston managed to secure their 10th clean sheet of the year.
The Dynamo went down to 10 men after VAR deemed midfielder Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla to have shown violent conduct following a stoppage in play.
Houston returns to Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 3 to host Seattle for Game 2 in the Round One Best-of-3 Series. Fans can purchase tickets via SeatGeek HERE for as low as $25. Game 3 will be played in Seattle if necessary.
The penalty shootout was ultimately decided by Houston’s fourth attempt after defender Erik Sviatchenko’s penalty missed wide.
Goalkeeper Steve Clark, who made his 19th postseason appearance tonight, was called into action in the sixth minute when he was forced to push a looping shot over the bar when Cristian Roldan took his chances from outside of the box. The play marked the veteran shot stopper’s first of two saves on the night.
Clark stepped up in the 17th minute when he safely corralled a ball into his chest when Joao Paulo took another shot from deep.
The Sounders almost took the lead in the 58th minute, but captain Héctor Herrera stepped up with a vital block, getting in the way of a strong strike from Yeimar Gomez.
Midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk put up a shot of his own in the 72nd minute with bicycle kick that missed the top of the goal by inches.
Additionally, the backline pair of Micael and Sviatchenko had a great defensive display with Micael leading the backline with three interceptions and tackles, while the Danish international led the team with seven clearances.
