Sounders take Game 1 on penalties

Seattle Sounders FC vs Houston Dynamo FC, round one 2024 MLS Playoffs. Photo: Paul Kahl

Seattle Sounders FC 0-0 Houston Dynamo (Sounders win 5-4 on penalties)

SEATTLE, WA–Seattle Sounders FC took Game 1 of their best-of-three series with Houston Dynamo in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw after 90 minutes on Monday at Lumen Field. Steve Clark’s goal was under assault most of the night as the Sounders outshot the Dynamo, 20-7, but the Rave Green could only get three shots on goal during the 90 minutes. The Dynamo would not have a shot on target in the 90.

It would be more difficult for Houston in the 66th minute when Coco Carrasquilla was shown a straight red for violent conduct after VAR showed him attempting to kick at the Sounders’ Albert Rusnak during a scuffle. Houston’s defense proved resolute, though, as they held on to get to the penalty shootout as all playoff matches at this stage go to if level after 90 minutes.

Off to penalties. Photo: Nate Koppelman

The unfortunate nature of a penalty shootout is that someone has to miss. That someone on this night was Eric Sviatchenko in the fourth round as he put his spot kick wide while the Sounders went five-for-five on their kicks with Alex Roldan scoring the deciding penalty.