HOUSTON – The Houston Dynamo FC advanced to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal on Wednesday night, following a 2-1 comeback win over Louisville City FC.
In the eighth minute, Dynamo winger Duane Holmes was taken down in the box, earning a penalty. Jack McGlynn was making his first start since returning from injury and stepped up to the spot and fired, but the shot was saved onto the post to keep the score level at 0-0.
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The score would remain level for the first forty-five minutes, with both teams coming close but unable to capitalize on promising first half attacks.
Louisville would break the deadlock in the 67th minute, as Ray Serrano tapped home first time, assisted by Chris Donovan on the break.
The lead would remain until the 89th minute. A terrific curling ball found a streaking Erik Sviatchenko at the back post. Houston’s #16 dove to connect with a header just past the outstretched arm of Lou City goalkeeper Collin Haus to equalize in the dying moments.
Sviatchenko’s late equalizer sent the match to extra time, and the Dynamo would take advantage of the extra time. Ezequiel Ponce fired home on the quick turn at the top of the box after a great low feed from Herrera to give la Naranja the lead in the extra frame.
With the win, Houston advances to the US Open Cup Quarterfinal, set to take place in three weeks (May 19-20). The draw for quarterfinal matchups and hosting priority will be held tomorrow (Thursday) morning.
In MLS play, the Dynamo next host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, May 2, for a Western Conference matchup, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT at Shell Energy Stadium.