Houston Dynamo FC are back in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in year two under head coach Ben Olsen.
The Dynamo booked their second-straight postseason trip Saturday during Matchday 35, before losing 1-0 at Seattle Sounders FC.
Houston are sixth in the Western Conference standings (48 points; 13W-9L-9D) as they look to secure a top-four finish and earn home-field advantage in Round One.
Star players
Houston's game model revolves around Héctor Herrera, the Mexican star who pulls the strings of one of the league's most respected midfields alongside Coco Carrasquilla, Artur and Amine Bassi.
The Dynamo also appear to have a legit goal-scoring threat in club-record signing Ezequiel Ponce. The Argentine striker, who arrived in July from Super League Greece side AEK Athens, has three goals in his first seven league games. Fellow summer signing Lawrence Ennali also paid early dividends, only to suffer a season-ending ACL tear earlier this month.
The Western Conference's stingiest defense (34 goals conceded) is anchored by veteran goalkeeper Steve Clark and the center-back pairing of Micael and Erik Sviatchenko.
Can the Dynamo improve on last year's run to the Western Conference Final?
Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs
MLS Cup presented by Audi is set for Dec. 7, while the playoffs begin Oct. 23 with Wild Card matches. All games can be watched on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
- Seeds 1-7 in each conference qualify for the Round One Best-of-3 Series.
- Seeds 8-9 in each conference qualify for the Wild Card matches.
