Seattle Sounders Fc Sea vs Houston Dynamo Hou Picks and Predictions October 28th 2024

Dynamo Look to Break Seattle Curse in MLS Cup Playoffs Opener

The Houston Dynamo have a formidable task ahead of them as they travel to Seattle on Monday for their first-round MLS Cup playoff match against the Sounders. Not only are the Dynamo up against one of the West’s strongest teams, but they also face the added challenge of never having won at Seattle’s Lumen Field. The odds are stacked, yet the Dynamo arrive with newfound momentum, hoping to make history and kick off the playoffs with an upset.

Houston Dynamo’s Strong Finish and Playoff Preparation

Houston enters the playoffs with confidence after finishing their season on a high note, securing the Western Conference’s fifth seed with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the LA Galaxy on Oct. 19. Daniel Steres delivered the game-winner in stoppage time, sealing the Dynamo’s 54th point and setting a new franchise record.

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Coach Ben Olsen emphasized the importance of this victory as a playoff warm-up. “Those are the great nights, those are the ones you remember,” he said. “It had a playoff atmosphere … and was a great dress rehearsal for the playoffs because we’re playing a talented team.” With a roller-coaster final month of the season, Olsen believes this game helped Houston regain rhythm and unity just in time for Seattle.

Key Players and Season Highlights for the Dynamo

Houston’s success this season has come largely from a well-rounded roster, with forward Ibrahim Aliyu leading the way with six goals and five assists. Midfielder Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla, who recently won the CONCACAF Men’s Player of the Year, has also been influential, contributing three goals and seven assists. Meanwhile, designated player Ezequiel Ponce has added five goals in just 10 matches, making him a significant offensive threat since joining over the summer.

Defensively, the Dynamo have held their own, allowing just 39 goals this season—only Seattle has allowed fewer goals in the Western Conference. Houston’s improved backline performance will be key if they are to contain Seattle’s potent attack and overturn their history of struggles at Lumen Field.

Seattle Sounders: A Dominant Second Half of the Season

Seattle finished fourth in the West, closing out the regular season on a high with a 12-2-3 record in the latter half of the year. Led by coach Brian Schmetzer, who recently signed a multi-year contract extension, the Sounders enter the playoffs as one of the most consistent postseason contenders in MLS history. Schmetzer has guided Seattle to two MLS Cup titles (2016, 2019) and a CONCACAF Champions Cup (2022).

Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnak have been instrumental to Seattle’s recent success. Morris leads the team with 13 goals, while Rusnak’s 10 goals and 16 assists tied a franchise record, making him a key playmaker. Additionally, Jackson Ragen’s defensive efforts earned him a nomination for MLS Defender of the Year, further solidifying Seattle’s backline.

The Lumen Field Challenge

The Sounders have a clear advantage over Houston in their head-to-head history, with the Dynamo failing to secure a single win in 16 previous attempts at Lumen Field (0-13-3). Most recently, the Sounders defeated Houston 1-0 on Sept. 28, with Paul Rothrock’s goal clinching Seattle’s playoff berth. Seattle defender Alex Roldan acknowledged the challenge and intensity of the playoffs, adding, “There’s no easy games in the playoffs … we’re looking to continue that [strong playoff record] and hopefully get past some tough opponents.”

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Game Outlook

While history favors Seattle, the Dynamo’s momentum, combined with Aliyu and Carrasquilla’s offensive leadership, gives them a fighting chance. Their improved defense will be tested by Seattle’s top scorers, Morris and Rusnak, whose chemistry has powered the Sounders’ impressive second half. For Houston to have a shot at breaking their winless record in Seattle, they’ll need to control the game tempo, capitalize on offensive opportunities, and keep Seattle’s playmakers under control.

This playoff opener has all the ingredients of a classic MLS showdown, with Houston aiming to defy the odds and Seattle looking to maintain their postseason prowess.