The Houston Dynamo have already lifted the U.S. Open Cup in 2023 and could very well add MLS Cup to that list in the next two weeks.

Ben Olsen’s squad reached the Western Conference Final on Sunday for the first time since 2017 after eliminating Sporting KC 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium. Franco Escobar’s first-half goal paired with Steve Clark’s three-save clean sheet was all the Dynamo needed to advance into the final four of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Johnny Russell and Nelson Quinones traded offensive chances in the early minutes of the match, but both were denied the opportunity to give their respective teams a 1-0 advantage.

Escobar propelled the Dynamo in front after 39 minutes, heading home Hector Herrera’s corner kick into the top-left corner. It marked Escobar’s third goal of the season and his first overall since August 20 for Houston.

https://x.com/HoustonDynamo/status/1728940912729014614?s=20

Alan Pulido was also repelled by Clark before halftime as Houston took a slim lead into halftime.

Daniel Salloi came closest to tying things up for SKC in the 69th minute but Clark denied the Hungarian’s effort. The Dynamo backline would hold firm the remainder of the match as SKC was held to only three shots on target over 90+ minutes.

Houston will now visit either LAFC or the Seattle Sounders on Dec. 2 in the Western Conference Final.