US Open Cup 2017: Dynamo bow out of the U.S. Open Cup in shutout fashion

The Dynamo’s run in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup came to an end on Wednesday night with a 2-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City. With Romell Quioto and Alberth Elis away on international duty for Honduras and a weekend match against Colorado, Wilmer Cabrera elected to field virtually the same lineup used in the 3-2 win again North Carolina FC. The only exception came in midfield, with the Dynamo boss preferring Alex in place of Joe Holland. Houston committed to a high press from the opening whistle, which produced several half chances early on. Alex was presented with two opportunities to test goalkeeper Tim Melia but sent the ball sailing over the target on both occasions.

As the match progressed the Dynamo slowly lost control of play. KC had a wonderful chance to opening the scoring when Jimmy Medranda found himself open at the top of the box and unleashed a left-footed strike in the 37th minute. Fortunately, it was straight at Joe Willis and the rebound was sent flying over the bar. The rest of the first half became increasingly open but both sides were unable to find the back of the net.

The second half began with Andrew Wenger picking up a yellow for a clumsy tackle from behind. KC gave the ball away in midfield seconds later and, instead of utilizing the Dynamo’s numerical advantage, Vicente Sánchez went for goal himself and his attempt was saved rather easily. Wenger had a chance of his own in the 54th minute after impressive individual play, but his attempt narrowly flashed past the left post. Boniek Garcia replaced Wenger shortly thereafter.

KC’s Ike Opara got his team on the board in the 61st minute with a header from close range after Kevin Ellis’s redirection off a corner. Immediately following the kickoff the Dynamo appeared to have won a penalty on a tackle in the box, but Memo Rodriguez was instead cautioned for simulation.

Alex made way for Rio Grande Valley FC player Rubén Luna in the 68th minute and the final switch came in the 80th with Joe Holland replacing Eric Bird. From that point on the men in orange committed to throwing numbers forward in search of an equalizer, and the visitors sealed their victory through Gerso Fernandes in stoppage time.

The 0-2 loss knocks the Dynamo out of the Open Cup while SKC will advance to play FC Dallas in the next round.

The Dynamo head to Colorado to face the Rapids on Saturday night at 8:00 CT.

Lineups