Written by David Garcia

The Dynamo began the match implementing possession and took an early lead in the 18th minute thanks to an Amine Bassi tap-in header assisted by Ezequiel Ponce. After the goal, the visitors attempted to push the home side but the Dynamo remained intact as the game headed into the break with Houston leading. 

Ten minutes into the second half, Ethan Bartlow attempted a pass but it went to Petar Musa inside the box leading to a goal. Nicolas Lodeiro made his Dynamo debut in the 63rd minute when he subbed on for Ibrahim Aliyu. Jack McGlynn nearly broke the tie in the 73rd minute, but his shot hit the post. The Dynamo pushed for the lead but on a counter, a through ball from Musa found Anderson Julio and after rounding Andrew Tarbell, he gave his team the lead in the 76th minute. Now pushing for an equalizer, Gabe Segal and Franco Escobar came on for Bassi and Daniel Steres in the 85th minute. Erik Dueñas also debuted after coming on for Sebastian Kowalczyk in the 89th minute.

The Men in Orange will now host the 2024 Supporters Shield winners Inter Miami on Sunday, March 2 in a rematch of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final.