Bassi goal gives Dynamo 1-0 lead in first round playoff series
(image via Aldo Canale)
The Houston Dynamo kicked off the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Sunday evening at Shell Energy Stadium. 17,508 fans were on hand for the team’s first postseason match since 2017. The Dynamo jumped on front early but conceded in the second half on a counter-attack. Amine Bassi played hero, smashing in a thunderbolt late on to give Houston a 2-1 win and a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
Houston got the scoring going after 22 minutes. A ball into the box found the head of Coco Carrasquilla and the Panamanian headed down for Hector Herrera. The Dynamo captain took a touch with his chest and then laced a left-footed shot past RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath to put Houston ahead 1-0.
The Dynamo controlled the first half with nearly 75% possession. Nelson Quinones sent a shot high in the 31st minute and Artur had a deflected shot punched away in the 41st. Real Salt Lake’s best chance came in the 35th minute when Micael retreated to clear a goal-bound ball off the line. Erik Sviatchenko headed wide from a set piece in the 44th minute and the Dynamo took the 1-0 lead into half time.
Houston came out attacking again in the second half. Quinones had a shot blocked in the 49th minute. The Colombian was denied again by MacMath in the 54th minute and the away side would find the equalizer just moments later.
Real Salt Lake broke on a counter and Anderson Julio was played into space. He took his time and found Diego Luna back across goal. The 20 year old stayed composed and finished into the corner past Steve Clark to make it 1-1 in the 54th minute.
Houston pushed for a winner, knowing the game would go straight to penalties if it remained tied. Corey Baird hit the post in the 63rd minute and then the rain came at Shell Energy Stadium. Thor Ulfarsson began to get ready to come in after 75 minutes. He wouldn’t be needed as the Dynamo found the winner minutes later. Griffin Dorsey forced a turnover at the top of the box and some good combo play had the ball headed toward goal. Baird couldn’t bundle it over the line and it bounced back toward the top of the box. Amine Bassi was there to meet it and put his left foot through it, sending the ball into the top corner to make it 2-1 in the 79th minute.
Houston had chances to extend the lead, most notably Artur hitting the bar from way out with MacMath well off his line. The Dynamo now lead 1-0 in the best-of-three series, needing one win to advance. Houston will travel to Real Salt Lake for Game 2 on Monday, November 6 looking to close out the series. If Real Salt Lake can win and force a Game 3, it will be back in Houston on Saturday, November 11.
