Detroit City FC upsets MLS’s Houston Dynamo after 11 penalties

(WXYZ) — Detroit City FC once again upset a top league team, defeating MLS’s Houston Dynamo Tuesday night in the round of 16 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

After coming back twice during regulation and keeping Houston off the scoreboard for the extra 30 minutes, it took 11 shots on goal before DCFC scored the game-winner behind goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña.

Houston got off to a 2-0 start in the first 35 minutes, but Ryan Williams scored his first goal for Detroit, launching a rocket from 25 yards out that cut the deficit to 2-1.

In the second half, head coach Danny Dicchio brought in some new legs, including Yazeed Matthews, who scored again to tie the game.

Houston kept the pressure on and scored in the 77th minute, and about seven minutes later Maxi Rodriguez equalized again after a pass from Devon Amoo-Mensah found Rodriguez and beat the goalkeeper.

The timeout lasted nearly 10 minutes and Houston had numerous chances to score against a very tired Detroit team. The Red had just played three days ago in a 0-0 draw against Loudoun United FC on Saturday.

It came down to a penalty shootout, where both teams scored the first two goals, but Ben Morris’ shot was saved on the third attempt. In the fifth round, Saldaña made a save and Michael Bryant placed his shot in the back of the net to tie it 4-4 after five rounds.

The two teams traded PK goals until the 11th round, when it came time for the goalkeepers to take the penalties.

Houston goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell fired a shot over the crossbar, then Saldaña shot past Tarbell.

This is the second time Detroit has eliminated a top league team after defeating the Columbus Crew in Keyworth in April 2022.

Next, Detroit will face the winner of Indy Eleven vs. San Antonio FC in the round of 16.