Real Salt Lake vs Houston Dynamo summary: goals, score, highlights | MLS Cup Playoffs
Real Salt Lake vs Houston Dynamo: Live coverage
Real Salt Lake kept their playoff dreams alive with a penalty shootout victory over Houston Dynamo.
After losing the first game of this best-of-three series, RSL needed a victory at America First Field to keep themselves in the post-season picture. Things started badly for the hosts when Houston won and scored a penalty midway through the first half, Amine Bassi making no mistake from the spot.
But the introduction of Cristian 'Chicho' Arango early in the second half rejuvenated the RSL attack and gave them real impetus. The hosts looked the more dangerous team after the break and they levelled things with 20 minutes remaining when Jefferson Savarino fired home a brilliant free kick from 25 yards.
RSL had chances late on but the game ended 1-1 and was to be decided on penalties. Bassi missed the first kick for Houston.
The following eight penalties were all scored, leaving RSL youngster Diego Luna the opportunity to win the game for his team. The 20-year-old made no mistake and ensured that this series will go down to Game Three in Houston on Saturday.
What now for Houston Dynamo?
They were outplayed in the second half tonight but still have another game in which to book their place in the Conference Finals. After Houston won the first game of this best-of three series RSL levelled things with a penalty shoot-out victory at America First Field.
The third and final game will be played back in Houston, meaning that the Dynamo should be slight favourites to progress in front of a home crowd. But tonight's second half performance from RSL has shown that they should not be underestimated.
Perfect penalties from RSL
The pressure was on Real Salt Lake for this penalty shoot-out, knowing that they needed a victory to keep their playoff journey alive.
Despite that pressure, Pablo Maestroeni's team kept their nerve and scored all five spots kicks to level the series after two games.
What a noise at America First Field as young hero Diego Luna scores the decisive penalty in a must-win shoot-out for RSL. They were the better team across the 90 minutes and deservedly force a Game Three in this best-of-three series!
Luna - SCORES
Diego Luna makes no mistake and he wins the shoot-out for his team!
REAL SALT LAKE WIN GAME TWO AND LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY!
It's going to Diego Luna to take the potentially winning penalty for RSL...
Quinones - SCORES
The 21-year-old has to score to keep Houston in it, and he does!
RSL win if they score their next penalty...
Dorsey - SCORES
The right back makes no mistake, passing the ball into the net.
Savarino - SCORES
Savarino restore RSL's one-goal lead from the penalty spot.
Ulfarsson - SCORES
No mistake from the late substitute.
Carrasquilla - SCORES
Houston are on the board, but only just.
Cristian Arango, RSL (SCORE)
The Colombian coolly slots home to give his side the lead.
Amine Bassi, Houston (MISS)
No! No retake and Houston have missed their first kick.
Amine Bassi (Retake ordered)
Macmath saves but it looks like it will be retaken!
Incredible drama to start off, it's going to a VAR check.
It looks like it will be Houston to take first, in front of the RSL crowd...
Real Salt Lake struggled to impose themselves in the first half but they were the dominant side after the break, whipping this crowd up into a frenzy.
There's a brilliant atmosphere at America First Field now as the supporters prepare for this all-important penalty shoot-out...
RSL playoff future depends on penalty shootout
After an incredibly tense 90 minutes at America First Field, we go to penalties to decide whether RSL will live to fight another day in MLS Cup Playoffs.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeep
Herrera's free kick hits the wall and the referee blows up for full time.
WE GO TO PENALTIES
RSL are looking a bit skittish now and give away a cheap free kick around 35 yards from their own goal.
One final opportunity for Herrera to deliver into the box...
We're into the final moment now and RSL come forward again through Diego Luna. The youngster battles tirelessly but gives away a cheap foul near the corner flag.
That should be enough for Houston to make it to the full time whistle.
And there's a change for the hosts as Andres Gomez is replaced by Damir Kreilach.
There will be a late sub!
Houston replace Aliyu with Thor Ulfarsson.
Chance! RSL
Swift break from RSL finds Savarino in space on the left side of the Houston penalty box .
The RSL goalscorer slides the ball across to Gomez but he fails to make a clean connection from the penalty spot.
Houston survive.
Confirmation that there will be six minutes of added time, then we're onto penalties.
Herrera goes near post again and Palacio headers clear again.
Houston recover the ball and Herrera wins a free kick on the left wing, a good position for a cross into the RSL box.
As we approach the final minute Houston win a corner kick. Herrera goes across to take..
It's a near post delivery, headed behind by Palacio for another Houston corner.
There's no sign of any imminent substitutions from either team, suggesting that both managers are happy with these players as potential penalty takers.
Nelson Quinones goes down under a tough tackle from Brayan Vera.
The tackle was a good one but it completely wiped out the Houston winger, leaving him sprawled on the ground and in need of treatment from the medical staff.
Andros Gomez does well on the right wing to fashion space for a cross but his right-footed effort is too high for Arango, lurking in the penalty box.
More good play from RSL.
A reminder: if this game is level at the end of the 90 minutes we will be going straight to a penalty shoot-out.
If Houston win tonight they book their place in the semi-final, at RSL's expense. However if RSL can find the victory tonight they level the series with just one game still to play.
Brayan Vera is playing with real freedom now and the RSL defender bring his team up the pitch with a marauding run.
RSL look to be building up a head of steam until a soft foul on Micael allows Houston to regroup and take the sting out of the game.
The cross goes straight through the crowded penalty box and out for a Houston goal kick.
Another corner kick to RSL, their seventh of the night, and another delivery for Houston to defend.
The home crowd are in good voice now, willing their team on.
WATCH: Jefferson Savarino free kick levels for RSL
Real Salt Lake must win tonight and they drew level thanks to a sensational free kick from Savarino. They have the momentum now and look the most likely to find a late winner.
If no one finds that breakthrough, we're going straight to penalties...
The corner kick is cleared by Houston but Real Salt Lake are quickly back in possession and on the offensive once again.
Brilliant play from Arango to hold up the ball but Houston finally get the ball back and win a free kick of their own.
Vela takes the free kick but it deflects off the Houston wall and behind for a corner kick.
Appeals for a handball, but they're waved away.
Another free kick for RSL, this time on the left wing.
It's swiftly followed by another on the right, around 35 yards from goal in a good crossing position.
Houston look unable to stem the time of RSL attacks at the moment, they're clinging on.
Chance! RSL
This time the free kick flies far over the crossbar and Houston survive.
The visitors need to get a grip on this game.
Heightening the tension, Houston make a substitute with Hadebe coming on for Escobar.
Once again Savarino and Vera are standing over this set piece, but Arango is also involved in the discussion this time.
Arango is staying down after that heavy challenge, but this is another brilliant opportunity for RSL to make something happen from the set piece.
This time the free kick is barely a yard outside of the penalty box, almost dead central.
Another free kick for Real Salt Lake!
Houston are rattle as RSL come flooding forward again and Arango is hacked down on the edge of the box.
GOOOOOAAAAAL! Savarino
Sensational strike from Jefferson Savarino to fire his team back into this tie!
He struck a right-footed shot past Steve Clark from 25 yard, drawing Real Salt Lake level on the night.
It looks like it'll be Savarino to take...
Free kick to RSL on the edge of the box, around 25 yards from goal.
Real chance for Arango to hit one from here...
First change for Houston as Corey Baird comes off, replaced by Ibrahim Aliyu.
So close! RSL
Nearly a beauty from Chicho Arango!
The RSL forward pinches the ball off the Houston backline and aims an audacious chip over the head of Steve Clark, who backpedals frantically.
Fortunately for Houston, the ball drifts just wide of the post.
There's a real openness in this game now and it can only be a matter of time until there's a goal.
Cristian Arango comes forward with the ball down the left and clips a cross over to Savarino back post but he can't control his effort.
Big chance! Houston Dynamo
Corey Baird has to score!
Houston catch RSL on the counter attack and Quinones is sent free on the left wing. He bears down on goal and puts the ball on a plate for Baird on the penalty spot, but he fires over from close range.
Arango is penalised for a late challenge on Micael, but he won't be too worried about that.
The Colombian's introduction has changed the atmosphere inside America First Field and there's a real optimism about this RSL side now.
They need to make the most of this new-found momentum.
Chance! RSL
Clear chance for Cristian Arango with a back post header!
Brilliant build-up play from RSL to work it into the box and Luna picks out Arango with a lofted cross to the back post. He stoops to generate some extra power but he can't force the ball past Steve Clark.
Chance! RSL
Corner kick for RSL, taken short by Savarino to the feet of Arango. They work the ball into the box and it falls to Luna on the edge of the box, but his volleyed effort is easily saved by Steve Clark.
Confirmation of that substitution for RSL, Cristian Arango comes on to replace Anderson Julio.
Ten minutes in the second half, Cristian Arango is being prepared on the touchline.
The RSL striker will enter the fray very soon...
Late challenge from Adalberto Carrasquillo on the touchline, giving away a cheap free kick for RSL.
Herrera takes the resultant free kick and curls a deft cross into the RSL box. The ball reaches the head of Erik Sviratchenko but he can't make the most of the opportunity.
Brilliant disguised pass from Hector Herrera to fizz the ball through to Corey Baird. The Houston forward draws a foul, around 35 yards from goal.
Good play from Andros Gomez to win a free kick on the halfway line for RSL. The hosts take it quickly and work the ball through to Gomez again, but he looses it while trying to shrug off a Houston defender.
The second half has got off to a breathless start with tackles flying in from both sides.
And we're back!
Real Salt Lake get us underway in the second half.
The hosts must win tonight or they are out of the playoffs...
The teams are coming back out on the field for the second half and it looks like there will be no changes for either side.
However Cristian Arango has been warming up pretty purposely during the break, suggesting that he could soon be brought into the RSL frontline.
Houston faithful follow their team from afar
The trip from Houston to Salt Lake City is one of the longest in MLS, so most Dynamo fans have been unable to make the journey for this Monday night fixture. But back home in Houston they are following their team as they look to secure a spot in the Conference Finals.
Real Salt Lake have 45 minutes to keep their season alive
Pablo Maestroeni's side need a win tonight to remain in the playoffs but they find themselves a goal behind at the break. The margin have been fine but Houston have shaded it in the opening 45 minutes.
RSL have Cristian Arango on the bench and you would have to assume that Maestroeni is planning to introduce the Colombian forward pretty soon.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeep
Houston Dynamo hold out until the half and go into the break with a 1-0 lead over Real Salt Lake.
It's been a closely-fought first half, but the visitors have the lead through a penalty.
RSL enjoy a spell of possession in the Houston half as they look to find a goal before the break. They are working it around the midfield but Houston are sat back in a compact defensive unit and will not be easy to break down.
There will be three minutes of added time at the end of the first half in Utah.
The cross is whipped in, low and flat. It's a dangerous delivery but Herrera does well to head it wide.
RSL win a corner but take it short and almost immediately are flagged offside.
Houston goalscorer Bassi gives away a cheap free kick on the left, giving RSL a chance to deliver with quality from a wide position.
Brayan Vera to deliver...
Nearly a chance for RSL after Steve Clark scuffs a left-footed clearance.
The hosts push forward straight away but can't quite fashion a sight of goal and a rather desperate cross drifts harmlessly out of play for a Houston goal kick.
Here's that opening goal Amine Bassi. Good save from Zac Macmath to stop the initial spot kick but he is powerless to prevent the rebound.
Real Salt Lake are taking a few more risks in possession now and it's encouraging Houston to push up to press their backline. It's giving the RSL forward more space in behind but the risk being caught out.
Chance! RSL
Houston clear the first ball but RSL come straight back and fire a deep cross into the penalty box from the right.
Bryan Oviedo is there to meet it on the volley at the back post but his effort flies over the crossbar.
This is better from the hosts.
Corner kick to RSL after some sharp play from Gomez on the right.
Powerful run from Erik Sviatchenko to bring the ball out of the Houston defence and bundle his way up the pitch. He reaches the edge of the RSL box but his attempted through ball is too heavy for Bassi.
Braian Odeja (RSL)
Cheap booking for the RSL midfielder as he gets in the way of a Houston quick free kick.
Brilliant pass from Herrera to find Dorsey in space on the right flank. The young full back has an opportunity to push up the wing but opts instead to turn back inside and recycle possession.
That Houston goal has really taken the winds out of the home support's sails. RSL made a slow start but were starting to get into the game in the past ten minutes.
Now, they have a deficit to overturn to make it to the post-season.
GOOOOAAAAL! Houston Dynamo
Amine Bassi runs up to take and his effort is saved, but the Moroccan follows up well to poke home the rebound!
Houston have the lead.
PENALTY HOUSTON
The visitors have a penalty after a clumsy challenge on Amine Bassi as he drove into the box.
The ball fell to a Houston player so the referee initially played an advantage, but now draws it back for a penalty!
Houston win a cheap free kick on the halfway line after coming under some pretty intense pressure from RSL. The home crowd do not like that decision.
Anderson Julio does brilliantly to hold up the ball for RSL and pop it out wide to Diego Luna. He makes go progress down the left but his low cross is easily repelled by the Houston backline.
We've seen a bit more from RSL in the past five minutes as they start to push higher up the field. They need a win tonight so will have been eager to prevent the concession of an early goal, but expect them to push more as this game goes on.
Good combination play from RSL to build out of the back, finding Diego Luna in a pocket of space between the lines. He looks to find Palacio inside but Herrera is there to intercept.
Amine Bassi
Another booking for Houston, this time to Bassi for a high foot in the middle of the pitch. There was no malice in the attempt, but it was a dangerous challenge.
First real opening for RSL as Escobar slips on the ball at left back, allowing Gomez to pounce on the loose ball.
He looks to fire the ball low and hard across goal but Micael is there to clear to danger.
Steve Clark
The Houston keeper is not a popular man at America First Field and receives the game's first booking for taking too long over the free kick.
Houston goalkeeper Steve Clark goes down after a late challenge from Anderson Julio as he cleared the ball.
On second look, there was very little contact there but Clark wins the free kick.
The cross from Herrera is a bit too long and floats out for a goal kick.
RSL try to restart quickly with a long ball up the field but Macmath gets it all wrong and it goes out for a throw-in to Houston.
Houston get a little lucky to keep the ball in the middle of the pitch but work in neatly down the left wing. Herrera finds Escobar on the touchline and the Houston full back is pulled down by Gomez.
Free kick to the visitors on the left wing.
Herrera eventually delivers the cross but it ends up safely in the gloves of Zac Macmath.
A chance for RSL to build from the back now.
There's a brief pause now after a bit of a coming together in the box during the previous phase of play.
Check complete, nothing doing.
RSL get the initial cross clear but Houston come forward once again and win another corner.
Good play from Houston to work the ball through to Quinones on the left flank.
He races in behind the RSL backline but checks back onto his right foot and gets tackled. The ball bounces out for a Houston corner, Herrera to take...
Real Salt Lake are struggling to get into the game in the opening minutes. The visitors have been on top so far and look comfortable in possession.
The Mexican's deep cross drifts just over the gaggle of players in the middle of the penalty box and bounces harmlessly out for a goal kick.
Houston win a free kick after Carrasquilla is felled midway through the RSL half.
A chance for Herrera to deliver into the penalty area.
Hector Herrera shows some neat touches in the early moments, keeping the ball moving in the Houston engine room.
His experience will be key tonight.
And we're off!
Houston Dynamo get us underway in Utah...
Houston focused as they battle for playoff progression
Can Houston Dynamo wrap up this best-of-three series tonight? They could become the fourth team through to the Western Conference Finals with a victory this evening, but Real Salt Lake need a win to keep their season alive.
Kick-off coming very shortly...
Kick-off is fast approaching at America First Field with Real Salt Lake taking on Houston Dynamo in this Round One clash.
The teams are out on the field and the crowd is set for another thrilling night of playoff action.
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Houston Dynamo made it to the post-season for the first time in five years, inspired by the performances of Hector Herrera in the middle of midfield. The experienced Mexican struggled initially after joining the team midway through the 2022 season but has been in imperious form this season.
He is on the brink of breaking a franchise record for the most goal involvements in a single season.
Real Salt Lake prepare for must-win clash
Unless they can muster a victory against Houston Dynamo, the 2023 Real Salt Lake season will end tonight. They were outplayed by Houston in the first game of this best-of-three series, but they should be able to dominate the ball in front of their own supporters at America First Field.
Pablo Mastroeni has made a big call in dropping Cristian Arango, will it pay off?
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Houston Dynamo can book their place in the Western Conference Finals with a win against Real Salt Lake this evening. If they do, they will become the fourth team to confirm their progression from Round One of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Here's the full list of teams already qualified for the semi-finals...
Hector Herrera looks to lead Houston to Conference Finals
Houston Dynamo captain Hector Herrera has had an illustrious career in Europe and his experience has been invaluable this season. He has contributed 17 assists from midfield and is the clear leader on the pitch, now looking to lead the team to the Western Conference Finals.
Earlier this year Herrera spoke to AS USA about life in the United States and he revealed that he has been surprised by the quality of MLS.
“The truth is that I have been pleasantly surprised by the league,” he said.
“From the outside, you may talk about how it isn’t a very competitive league. But once you arrive, you see the rhythm that they play with here and how many quality players there are here, you realise that the MLS is a very good league.”
Cristian Arango dropped for Real Salt Lake
Here's the team news for tonight's hosts and there's a major surprise as Cristian Arango, who won MLS Cup with LAFC last season, drops to the bench for this must-win game. He struggled for opportunities in the first game in Houston and is replaced tonight by Anderson Julio, who is more typically a winger.
RSL may well start with Julio and Diego Luna either side of Savarino in a front three.
Can Amine Bassi recover scoring touch in the playoffs?
The wideman has notched an impressive 11 goals in 29 MLS appearances for Houston this year, contributing a further four assists for his teammates. He leads the team for goals but has been less effective in recent months, struggling to replicate his incredible early season form.
Nevertheless, it was Bassi's goal that won the playoff opener for Houston and he is the most consistent finisher in Ben Olsen's squad.
Here's the Houston Dynamo starting XI...
The visitors named an unchanged team for the trip to America First Field. Corey Baird retains his place up front, joined by Bassi and Quinones.
Diego Luna looks to extend scoring streak
He may still be 20 years old, but Diego Luna has marked himself as one to watch in this playoff series. The California-born forward has scored in each of his last three appearances, making him responsible for Real Salt Lake's last three goals.
Cristian Arango is undoubtedly the senior striker in the RSL roster but Luna's emergence gives them an alternative threat. His goal in the first game against Houston showed a coolness that belies his young age.
Is tonight Chicho Arango's night?
Real Salt Lake made waves when thy announced the signing of MLS Cup winner Cristian Arango back in summer. The Colombian forward was a key part of the LAFC team that won MLS Cup in 2022 but he left for Mexican side Pachuca during the off-season.
Arango returned to MLS in July 2023 but has not yet had a major impact with RSL. Tonight would be the perfect time to really announce himself to the home support.
We will be bringing you full live coverage right here on AS USA, but you can also watch or stream Real Salt Lake vs Houston Dynamo wherever you are in the world.
Here's everything you need to know...
Houston arrive at America First Stadium
It's a balmy evening in Salt Lake City and we're set for a thrilling playoff match-up. Houston Dynamo won the first game of this best-of-three series last week and will be looking to close out Round One tonight.
Here's the view for the visitors when they arrived at the stadium earlier this evening...
RSL prepare for crucial playoff clash
For Real Salt Lake, tonight's game against Houston Dynamo could be the final fixture of the 2023 season. They have struggled for consistency this year but maintain a real attacking threat through Cristian Arango.
The home crowd at America First Stadium will be eager to see the best of the Colombian forward this evening.
Real Salt Lake host Houston Dynamo in a must-win game to keep their MLS Cup Playoffs journey alive.
Houston won the opening fixture 2-1 and need just one win from either of the two remaining Round One games to book their place in the Conference Finals later this month.
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be taking you through all of tonight's action...