In a thrilling showdown at DRV PNK Stadium, the Houston Dynamo emerged victorious, defeating Inter Miami 2-1 in a match that had football fans on the edge of their seats. The game had an unexpected twist as the global football icon Lionel Messi watched from the stands, nursing an injury, while Houston Dynamo displayed a stellar performance to claim the coveted U.S. Open Cup.
Highlights of Inter Miami vs. Houston Dynamo U.S Open Cup Final
Absence of Messi
The absence of Messi and his former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba, proved to be a significant setback for Miami, as they struggled to keep pace with an enterprising Houston Dynamo team that left no room for complaints about the outcome.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, had been hoping for another night of celebration for his club following their recent triumph in the Leagues Cup. However, Miami found themselves lacking in intensity and creative ideas as they faced off against an impressive Houston team under the leadership of coach Ben Olsen.
Messi’s injury
The exact nature of Messi’s injury remained somewhat shrouded in mystery, with references ranging from “muscle fatigue” to Coach Gerardo Martino’s mention of “scars” from an old injury. Messi had been withdrawn during the first half of the MLS win over Toronto the previous week and sat out Sunday’s draw against Orlando City.
With Messi absent from the pitch, Houston took control of the game right from the outset. They moved the ball with confidence and purpose, while Miami, with Sergio Busquets as the sole ex-Barcelona player on the field, struggled to establish a foothold in the match.
Houston Dynamo’s Brilliance Shines
Houston’s dominance was evident when Drake Callender, Miami’s goalkeeper, was forced into a spectacular double save, denying Nelson Quinones’ attempt towards the far post and then reacting swiftly to block Corey Bair’s follow-up shot.
The breakthrough for Houston came in the 24th minute through a perfectly executed counter-attack. Brazilian midfielder Artur fed the overlapping Griffin Dorsey, who fired a powerful shot into the net at the near post, putting Houston in the lead.
Continuing their relentless performance, Houston soon doubled their advantage. Colombian winger Quinones, cutting into the box from the left flank, was brought down by Miami right-back DeAndre Yedlin’s desperate challenge. French forward Amine Bassi confidently converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-0.
Half-Time Gambit: Martinez Misses Chance as Miami Seeks Redemption Against Dynamo
Miami’s coach, Gerard Martino, made two changes at halftime, introducing Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez and Ecuadorean midfielder Dixon Arroyo. Martinez had a chance to revive Miami’s hopes in the 56th minute but headed wide from a promising position. Benjamin Cremaschi also tested Dynamo’s goalkeeper, Andrew Tarbell, with a low shot.
As Inter Miami pushed forward in search of a lifeline, Houston nearly sealed the contest with another goal, courtesy of Quinones, assisted by Bassi. However, VAR came into play, and the effort was disallowed for offside.
Martinez provided Miami with a glimmer of hope with a late left-footed strike in stoppage time after a pass from Argentine Facundo Farias. Nevertheless, it proved too little, too late for Miami, and Houston celebrated their well-deserved second U.S. Open Cup title, adding to their previous triumph in 2018.
While Miami had won the Leagues Cup last month with Messi playing a prominent role, their journey forward in the Major League Soccer playoffs remains uncertain, with questions lingering about the fitness of their Argentine superstar.
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