Houston Dynamo FC clinched a crucial victory against St. Louis CITY SC with a narrow 1-0 triumph on Tuesday evening at Shell Energy Stadium, securing their passage to the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16.
The decisive Leg 2 encounter saw Erik Sviatchenko’s second-half goal as the differentiator, propelling Houston forward on the away goals tiebreaker following a 2-2 aggregate deadlock. Despite a prior 2-1 defeat in Leg 1 at St. Louis, Sebastian Kowalczyk’s crucial goal at CITYPARK proved pivotal for the Dynamo.
The upcoming challenge for Houston involves facing the reigning MLS Cup champions, Columbus Crew, in the continental competition. The first leg is scheduled for March 6 at home in Houston, followed by the decisive second leg on March 12 at Lower.com Field.
Sviatchenko’s breakthrough came in the 60th minute from a set piece opportunity that St. Louis failed to clear. A well-timed header by the Danish center-back, followed by a deft touch from Daniel Steres, allowed for a clinical finish past goalkeeper Roman Bürki.
Goal:
60′ – HOU – Erik Sviatchenko
