On a dramatic evening at Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Dynamo FC experienced a heart-wrenching defeat, falling 1-0 to the Columbus Crew in the closing moments of the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The match, held on March 6, 2024, saw the defending MLS Cup champions secure a crucial away goal, setting up an intense second leg in Columbus.
A Thrilling Encounter with a Late Twist
The game remained goalless for much of the duration, with both teams creating numerous chances. The Dynamo’s first significant opportunity came in the 12th minute through a cross by Griffin Dorsey, narrowly missing forward Gabe Segal. Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark, facing his former team, showcased his skills with five critical saves throughout the night.
Columbus Crew’s persistence paid off in stoppage time, with Aidan Morris initiating the decisive play. His short pass to Alexandru Matan, who managed to slot the ball into the far post, left the Dynamo reeling as the final whistle approached.
Defensive Heroics and Missed Chances
The Dynamo defense, led by Erik Sviatchenko, thwarted several Crew attempts, including a close call when Jacen Russell-Rowe hit the post in the 19th minute. Offensively, Houston struggled to convert their chances, with notable attempts from Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla and Aliyu Ibrahim being denied by Crew’s goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
A critical moment came in the 59th minute when Ethan Bartlow’s goal was disallowed for offside, a decision confirmed by the video assistant referee Oscar Mejia. Similarly, Columbus had a goal disallowed for offside in the 74th minute, keeping the match in suspense until the late breakthrough.
Looking Ahead
The Dynamo now face a challenging task in the second leg, scheduled for March 12, 2024, at 5 p.m. CT in Columbus. The aggregate score and away goals will determine the team advancing to the Quarterfinals, adding extra weight to Houston’s need for a strong away performance.
After the international break, Houston will return to MLS action, hosting a league match at Shell Energy Stadium on March 16, aiming to bounce back from this setback.
Reflections
Despite the disappointment, the match offered glimpses of Dynamo’s potential and resilience. The team’s ability to create opportunities and defend against a strong Columbus side underscores the progress under coach Ben Olsen’s leadership. As they regroup for the second leg, the Dynamo will look to leverage their strengths and overturn the deficit.
