Houston Dynamo advanced in the US Open Cup with a 2–1 victory over Louisville City FC, dominating the shot count to secure their passage. The hosts deployed a 3-5-2 formation that proved effective in creating chances, firing 22 shots with 10 on target against Louisville's more conservative 3-4-3 setup, which managed only 12 shots and four on target. Ezequiel Ponce and Erik Sviatchenko scored the goals that carried Houston through, while Louisville's goalkeeper maintained a 75 per cent save percentage in a losing effort. The visitors' keeper was credited with no shots saved above expected goals, suggesting Houston's opportunities were relatively clear-cut. Dynamo's attacking width and numerical advantage in midfield overwhelmed a Louisville side that struggled to generate sufficient attacking pressure despite their three-man defence. Houston's cup credentials strengthen with this convincing home performance.