Sounders win shootout against Dynamo in playoffs on November 4
- Obed Vargas scored the decisive goal in a penalty shootout, leading the Seattle Sounders to a victory against the Houston Dynamo.
- Cristian Roldan's late goal and an own goal from Roldan himself kept the game tied at 1-1 through regulation.
- The Sounders completed a first-round sweep in the best-of-three series for the MLS Cup, demonstrating their strong playoff performance.
On November 3, 2024, the Seattle Sounders faced off against the Houston Dynamo in a crucial MLS playoff match. The game took place after a tightly contested best-of-three series, where both teams sought to advance further in the postseason. The Sounders scored first when Cristian Roldan netted a goal in the 87th minute, putting them ahead late in the match. However, Roldan's triumph was short-lived due to an unfortunate own goal that occurred in the third minute of stoppage time, tying the game at 1-1. As the match progressed into penalties, Obed Vargas emerged as the hero by scoring the decisive shootout goal after both teams had previously delivered strong performances in the shootout. Stefan Frei, the Sounders' goalkeeper, played a critical role by making a pivotal save against Tate Schmitt's shot in the seventh round, ensuring victory for Seattle. This outcome marked a notable achievement for the Sounders, demonstrating their resilience in high-pressure situations. With this 7-6 victory in the shootout, the Sounders achieved a first-round sweep over the Dynamo, reinforcing their reputation as a strong playoff contender. Seattle's consistent performance in the postseason reflects their history of success, as they have made playoffs in 15 of their 16 seasons. Meanwhile, the Dynamo's disappointment stemmed from losing both matches in the series, despite their strong showing during the regular season. This match highlighted the intense rivalry and competitive spirit in the MLS playoffs. The Sounders' strategic play and ability to capitalize on their opportunities ultimately led them to advance, while the Dynamo must reassess their approach moving forward.