Houston’s 2024 Season Ends with a Penalty Shootout Loss to Seattle

Written By Vicente Garcia Miale | Photo by SportsFusionLive Houston

 

The Houston Dynamo is eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs after losing to the Seattle Sounders in Round One of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. A 7-6 loss via penalties concluded the 2024 season for a Houston team that fought till the very end.

Despite playing with ten men for a great portion of the second half, Houston was able to find the net and equalize the match through a late own goal in the 93rd minute. Houston midfielder Hector Herera was sent off due to a reported unsporting behavior 21 minutes into the second half. The Mexican international received a red card once VAR concluded that he attempted to spit at the referee after getting booked due to a tough challenge on Jackson Ragen.  

The dramatic penalty shootout ended with a Stefan Frei save on Houston defender Tate Schmitt’s attempt from the spot. Frei is only one clean sheet from reaching LA Galaxy legend Kevin Hartman’s record for most postseason shutouts (15) in league history.

Houston’s offensive efforts were not rewarded even though they recorded 7 shots on target, 6 more than the opponent. Ezequiel Ponce, Sebastian Ferreira, and Ibrahim Aliyu are among the players who could not capitalize on the chances created.

Houston finished the 2024 campaign with fifteen wins, which led to a new franchise record for most points in regular season play (54). 

Griffin Dorsey, responsible for creating the play that led to Seattle’s own goal, spoke about the expectations at Houston. 

“I want to lift up the MLS Cup here,” said Dorsey. “We have players, coaches, and management that want the same thing.”

The right-back also addressed the franchise's future and the support from Houston fans.

“The fans mean everything to everybody in that locker room,” said Dorsey. “Keep supporting us because we need it. That support is what fuels us.” 

Seattle’s single goal of the night and series arrived from a prolific run down the left wing made by Nouhou who found an unmarked Cristian Roldan sitting at the edge of the box. The American midfielder scored his second goal of the season. 

“We did a great job defensively against Houston in the last two games,” said Roldan. “I am happy about the way we closed the game defensively but there are things to improve as we head into the second round.” 

Seattle will face the winner between Vancouver and LAFC in Round Two of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. 

For more information visit mlssoccer.com.