The Houston Dynamo triumphed 1-0 over Sporting Kansas City as a goal from Franco Escobar sent Shell Energy Stadium into a frenzy and inspired the Western Conference final slot for Ben Olsen's side.
After dominating for the majority of the half, the Dynamo finally found the back of the net through a set piece. Hector Herrera set up the left-footed cross into the box from the corner, finding Franco Escobar for the header into the top of the goal.
Kansas City wasted no time in pushing forward to attempt the qualizer, as Alan Pulido weaved through defenders to reach the opposing box. Though Houston’s backline blocked the initial attempt, Daniel Salloi managed the rebound before hitting Erik Sviatchenko. Despite several calls for a handball from players and head coach Peter Vermes, no foul was given.
The two sides headed into halftime with Houston in the lead.
Houston maintained control in the second 45, constraining Sporting KC to their own half. Despite a couple of shots from captain Johnny Russell and Pulido, Houston goalkeeper Steve Clark made game-changing saves to hold onto the clean sheat.
Ben Olsen and the Dynamo clinched a spot in the Western Conference final, coming back from a 13th place finish in 2022 to reach the coveted postseason slot.
The Houston Dynamo now await their opponent for the Western Conference final as LAFC and Seattle face off at Lumen Field.
Houston Dynamo player ratings (4-2-3-1)
GK: Steve Clark - 9/10 - A great game overall, several game-changing saves in both halves.
RB: Griffin Dorsey - 8/10 - Constantly active throughout the pitch, never-ending energy. An underrated player who serves as a key factor in plays.
CB: Erik Sviatchenko - 6/10 - Lucky not to have gotten called for that handball, could've changed the game completely.
CB: Micael - 7/10 - Went under the radar for most of the game as a center-back should.
LB: Franco Escobar - 8.5/10 - Made a couple defensive errors early on but the opening goal compensates the lack of rhythm in the beginning.
RW: Adalberto Carrasquilla - 7.5/10 - The piñata of the game! Sporting KC muted the player for the majority of the first half before he unleashed the Concacaf within him to get back in.
CM: Artur - 7.5/10 - Held his ground in the midfield, complicating situations for SKC.
CAM: Amine Bassi - 7/10 - Had a couple creative opportunities, but not as explosive as he could've been.
CM: Héctor Herrera - 8.5/10 - Great ball distribution from the midfield, a key factor in the team's success and managed the assist.
LW: Nelson Giovanny Quiñónes Iturre - 7/10 - Poor decision-making when in crucial situations. Great energy and fast on the ball, but couldn't seal the deal.
ST: Corey Baird - 7/10 - Lacked definition on the front foot, could've done a better job when receiving crosses.
Substitutes
CB: Brad Smith ('77 for Quiñónes) - 7/10 - Didn't contribute much.
ST: Ibrahim Aliyu ('77 for Baird) - 8/10 - Entered with fresh legs to give the players some relief.
CM: Luis Caicedo ('85 for Bassi) - N/A
Manager
Ben Olsen - 8/10 - Underrated coach, took the team from 13th last year to Western Conference finals. Well-managed game.
Sporting Kansas City player ratings (4-3-3)
GK: Tim Melia - 7/10 - Some great saves before the goal, but cannot be at fault for the score.
RB: Jacob Davis - 6/10 - A weakness on the right, allowing Dorsey and Quiñónes to take advantage.
CB: Daniel Rosero - 6/10 - Made a couple saves, but failed to cover Escobar on the set piece.
CB: Andreu Fontàs - 6/10 - Another player that could've stopped Escobar, but gave him way too much space.
LB: Tim Leibold - 7/10 - Provided the necessary coverage but nothing special from a creative standpoint.
CM: Rémi Walter - 6.5/10 - Sloppy on the ball, lost possession a few times to inspire Houston's offensive plays.
CM: Nemanja Radoja - 7/10 - Better when defending than pushing forward, decent overall.
CM: Gadi Kinda - 7/10 - Managed a couple shots, but nothing too threatening from a player we've seen test previous goalkeepers constantly.
RW: Johnny Russell - 8/10 - Determined to get the goal, taking risks up front to no avail.
ST: Alan Pulido - 8/10 - Active on all fronts and positioned himself in a way to receive from every angle but simply couldn't find the back of the net.
LW: Dániel Sallói - 7/10 - Not his strongest performance when inside the opponent's box, lacked strength on opportunities. Caused the debatable handball situation.
Substitutes
CM: Erik Thommy ('69 for Kinda) - 8/10 - A couple creative plays but not the game-changer the club needed.
CM: William Agada ('84 for Walter) - N/A
RB: Graham Zusi ('84 for Davis) - 8/10 - Brought energy into the game.
CM: Roger Espinoza ('89 for Leibold) -N/A
Manager
Peter Vermes - 8/10 - A strong line up, but got desperate when using the subtitutes too late in the match.
This article was originally published on 90min as Houston Dynamo 1-0 Sporting Kansas City: Player ratings as Escobar leads team to Western Conference final.