Houston Dynamo FC clinched their second US Open Cup title on Wednesday night, beating Inter Miami CF 2-1 at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Dynamo scored two goals in the first half and held off a late comeback from the hosts, who were missing their star players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba due to injuries.
Houston dominate first half with counter-attacking display
The Dynamo were the better team in the first half, creating several chances with their quick and incisive counter-attacks. They opened the scoring in the 24th minute, when Griffin Dorsey finished off a well-worked move that involved Corey Baird and Artur. Dorsey made a run from the right flank and received a pass from Artur, before blasting the ball past Drake Callender at the near post.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 38th minute, after Nelson Quinones won a penalty for them. The Colombian winger cut inside from the left wing and was brought down by DeAndre Yedlin’s clumsy challenge. Amine Bassi stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly sent Callender the wrong way.
Inter Miami, who were playing without Messi and Alba for the second consecutive game, struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities in the first half. Their only shot on target came from Rodolfo Pizarro, who forced a save from Andrew Tarbell with a long-range effort.
Inter Miami rally in second half but fall short of comeback
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino made two changes at half-time, bringing on Josef Martinez and Dixon Arroyo for Pizarro and Blaise Matuidi. The hosts looked more lively and threatening in the second half, with Martinez adding some pace and energy to their attack.
Martinez had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 56th minute, but he headed wide from a good position after a cross from Lewis Morgan. Benjamin Cremaschi also tested Tarbell with a low shot from outside the box, but the Dynamo keeper was equal to it.
Inter Miami finally got on the score sheet in the 86th minute, when Arroyo scored a stunning goal from 25 yards out. The Ecuadorian midfielder unleashed a powerful strike that curled into the top corner, leaving Tarbell with no chance.
The hosts pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, but Houston defended well and managed to hold on to their lead. Tarbell made a crucial save in stoppage time, denying Martinez from close range after a cross from Morgan.
Houston celebrate second US Open Cup title
The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the Houston players and staff, who celebrated their second US Open Cup title in club history. The Dynamo had previously won the trophy in 2018, under the guidance of former coach Wilmer Cabrera.
Houston’s current coach Ben Olsen became only the third manager to win the US Open Cup with two different clubs, having previously led D.C. United to glory in 2013. Olsen praised his team’s performance and said they deserved to win the trophy.
“I’m very proud of this group. They played with heart and passion tonight. They executed our game plan perfectly and took their chances well. We knew it was going to be tough against Inter Miami, especially here at their home stadium, but we showed our character and resilience. This is a great achievement for our club and our fans,” Olsen said.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, who watched the game with his former Real Madrid teammate Zinedine Zidane, congratulated Houston on their victory and said he was proud of his team’s effort despite the defeat.
“First of all, I want to congratulate Houston Dynamo on winning the US Open Cup. They played very well and deserved to win. I also want to thank our players, staff and fans for their support throughout this tournament. We had some great moments and some tough ones, but we never gave up. We have a lot of quality and potential in this team, and I’m sure we will bounce back stronger,” Beckham said.
Both Houston and Inter Miami have qualified for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions League by reaching the US Open Cup final. The Dynamo will also participate in the 2024 Leagues Cup, along with seven other MLS teams.
