HOUSTON (Aug. 9, 2024) – Houston Dynamo FC fell on penalties to Deportivo Toluca FC at Shell Energy Stadium tonight to end their 2024 Leagues Cup run in the Round of 32.
The two teams played to a 2-2 draw in regulation before the LIGA MX side won a penalty shootout 5-4. Toluca goalkeeper Volpi Tiago made the only save of the shootout, stopping Houston’s fourth kick taken by forward Lawrence Ennali.
Notably, the Dynamo are the only MLS team to earn the opportunity to play for four trophies this year (MLS Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup) thanks to a strong campaign in 2023 that saw the team lift the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and make a run to the Western Conference Final in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Additionally, Houston advanced further in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup than any team in the Western Conference.
Toluca opened scoring in the 38th minute when Jesus Angulo’s shot deflected inside the far post off defender Griffin Dorsey.
Houston equalized three minutes later when forward Ezequiel Ponce battled in tight quarters in the box and managed to hammer the ball into the roof of the net for his first-career goal for the Dynamo. Houston signed Ponce on a club-record transfer fee from AEK Athen earlier this summer.
Defender Micael then gave Houston the lead off a set piece in the 62nd minute after captain Héctor Herrera’s corner delivery cycled through some Houston players before falling to the Brazilian for a tap in. The play marked Micael’s third-career goal and second of this year’s Leagues Cup tournament.
Toluca equalized deep into second half stoppage time when Edgar Lopez headed the ball past goalkeeper Steve Clark, forcing a penalty shootout.
Houston had the match’s first shot on goal in the fifth minute when Ponce backheeled a ball to forward Aliyu Ibrahim outside the box. The 22-year-old Nigerian took his chances from deep and forced Tiago to go down to his left to make the stop.
Midfielder Latif Blessing corralled a loose ball running into the right side of the box and managed a tight shot that forced a quick-reaction save from Tiago.
Herrera almost found the back of the net in the 30th minute when he went direct for goal from a free kick and forced a diving save from Tiago. The Mexican international scored a goal and recorded an assist in Houston’s 3-0 win over Real Salt Lake to propel the Dynamo to the Round of 32.
Ibrahim made a quick turn near the corner of the box and managed a shot in the 35th minute once again forcing Tiago to go down to the near post for a save.
Defensively, Houston continued to fight and deny chances, notably, with a spectacular Steve Clark save in the 80th minute. The veteran goalkeeper ended the night with three saves.
The Dynamo return to league play on Saturday, Aug. 24, hosting Toronto FC at Shell Energy Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. Fans can purchase tickets via SeatGeek HERE.
