September 27, 2023

Fort Lauderdale, Fla

Houston Dynamo FC Starting Lineup: 

HOU: 13-Andrew Tarbell, 2-Franco Escobar, 6-Artur, 8-Amine Bassi (27-Luís Caicedo, 84), 11-Corey Baird (18-Aliyu Ibrahim, 84), 16-Héctor Herrera (Capt.), 20-Adalberto Carrasquilla (17-Teenage Hadebe, 91), 21-Nelson Quiñónes (3-Brad Smith, 79), 25-Griffin Dorsey, 28-Erik Sviatchenko, 31-Micael

Inter Miami CF Starting Lineup:

MIA: 1-Drake Callender, 2-DeAndre Yedlin (Capt.) (41-David Ruiz, 76), 5-Sergio Busquets, 8-Diego Gómez (3-Dixon Arroyo Espinoza, 46), 9-Leonardo Campana, 11-Facundo Farías, 16-Robert Taylor (17-Josef Martínez, 46), 27-Sergii Kryvtsov, 30-Benjamin Cremaschi (22-Nicolas Stephenelli, 84), 31-Kamal Miller, 32-Noah Allen.

summary

In an electrifying showdown for the 2023 U.S. Open Cup, both competing teams exhibited remarkable skills and determination. However, it was evident from the onset that Houston was the more formidable side, setting the stage for an unforgettable clash. Here, we dissect the thrilling encounter that culminated in Houston’s well-deserved championship victory.

Right from the first whistle, both teams showcased their prowess, engaging in intense tackles and exhibiting a clear intent to score. However, it was Houston that emerged as the aggressor, consistently posing a significant threat to their opponents. 

Houston’s Corey Baird made an early impact, nearly breaking the deadlock within the opening 15 minutes. Redirecting a Nelson Quiñónes cross just above the crossbar, Baird sent a stark warning to the home team that Houston’s attacking duo would be a constant menace throughout the match.

Moments after the 20-minute mark, both of Houston’s dangermen had near misses. Quiñónes executed a slick move, outmaneuvering Miami captain DeAndre Yedlin, and forced Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender, into a spectacular diving save. The rebound fell to Baird, who found himself in front of an open goal. However, Callendar displayed extraordinary reflexes, blocking Baird’s seemingly certain goal with an outstretched toe.

Baird quickly transitioned from goal scorer to provider in the 24th minute. Receiving a pass from Bassi, he sprinted up the left sideline before delivering an exquisite pass to Artur. Demonstrating exceptional composure, Artur laid the ball off for an overlapping Dorsey, who coolly dispatched it into the roof of the net. Dorsey’s goal handed Houston a crucial early lead, much to the delight of his watching grandfather.

Quiñónes’ electrifying pace continued to torment the Miami defense, and just past the half-hour mark, he once again raced behind Yedlin. This time, he was brought down in the box by the Miami defender, leading to an instant penalty kick awarded by referee Jon Freemon. Bassi stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted it down the middle of the goal, extending Houston’s lead to 2-0 in the 33rd minute.

Throughout the first half, Houston created several additional goal-scoring opportunities. They came dangerously close to capitalizing on these chances, but just before halftime, Miami’s rising star Ben Cremaschi sent his volley from the top of the box soaring over the crossbar.

As halftime approached, Heron’s coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino sought to inject new life into his team. He found a potential spark in Josef Martinez, a former Open Cup winner. In the 56th minute, Martinez came tantalizingly close to bringing Miami back into the contest, narrowly missing the target with a fierce strike that brushed past the post.

While Martinez eventually found the back of the net for Miami with a strike in the second minute of injury time, it proved too little, too late. Houston maintained their composure, securing a well-deserved victory and lifting the 2023 U.S. Open Cup in front of their passionate traveling fans.

In this captivating clash, Houston’s dominance and unwavering determination led them to U.S. Open Cup glory, a testament to their exceptional skills and teamwork.

Conclusion

In a riveting clash of titans, the Houston Dynamo FC emerged triumphant, securing the 2023 US Open Cup. Their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Miami CF in Fort Lauderdale, Fla, showcased their unwavering determination and tactical mastery.

The Dynamo’s superiority was evident as they controlled the proceedings for the majority of the match. Their meticulous organization and disciplined gameplay set them apart from Inter Miami.

Despite fleeting moments of promise, Inter Miami struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities and squandered precious chances in front of goal. Ultimately, the Dynamo’s victory was a testament to their excellence.

In the end, the Houston Dynamo FC secured a well-deserved victory, earning the prestigious title of the 2023 US Open Cup champions.