The Dynamo said goodbye to Robertson Stadium today, but they hope to be playing there at least one more time (preferably twice) in the weeks to come in the MLS Cup Playoffs. While there are many great Robertson memories involving international games and regular-season performances, it has always been the playoff games that have showed off raucous, orange-clad crowds and dramatic moments to the rest of the country. Here is a look at the Dynamo’s history of home games in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
October 29, 2006
Western Conference semifinals -- Game 2
Houston 2:0 Chivas USA
Dynamo advance 3-2 on aggregate
In front of more than 17,000 fans in the Dynamo’s first home playoff game, Houston came from behind after losing the first leg to win a grudge match against Chivas USA. Brad Davis tied the aggregate score with a second-half penalty kick, and Brian Ching headed in a dramatic, last-minute game-winner in front of the Dynamo’s most fanatical supporters to set the tone for the team’s first playoff run.
November 5, 2006
Western Conference final
Houston 3:1 Colorado Rapids
Playoff momentum continued the next week, as more than 23,000 fans arrived to see Houston recover from an early 1-0 deficit to beat Colorado 3-1 and reach the MLS Cup championship game in the first season in Houston. Paul Dalglish scored twice in the first half to put the Dynamo in front, and Brian Mullan’s late sliding volley to clinch the result lives on as the lasting image from an unforgettable evening.
November 2, 2007
Western Conference semifinals -- Game 2
Houston 4:1 FC Dallas, ET
Dynamo advance 4-2 on aggregate
A sellout crowd of 30,088 helps the Dynamo rally from a two-goal aggregate deficit at halftime of the second leg to eliminate its in-state rival in dramatic fashion. With a numerical advantage in the second half after a red card, Stuart Holden and Brian Ching scored to tie the series and force extra time, where Ching and Brad Davis scored to put away Dallas for good.
November 10, 2007
Western Conference final
Houston 2:0 Kansas City Wizards
A Dynamo-record 30,972 fans crammed into Robertson to see the Dynamo overwhelm Kansas City and reach a second straight MLS Cup final. Houston outshot Kansas City 9-1 in the first half and led through a Nate Jaqua header, while Dwayne De Rosario provided an exclamation mark with a late, left-footed strike.
November 9, 2008
Western Conference semifinals -- Game 2
Houston 0:3 New York Red Bulls
Red Bulls advance 4-1 on aggregate
After playing the busiest schedule in MLS history, the Dynamo ran out of steam in their quest for a third consecutive MLS Cup. The loss came despite a fantastic crowd of 30,053 that roared Houston on as the Dynamo outshot New York 13-3 in the second half trying to rally from a 2-0 halftime deficit.
November 8, 2009
Western Conference semifinals -- Game 2
Houston 1:0 Seattle Sounders, ET
Dynamo advance 1-0 on aggregate
Facing media darling Seattle in its first season, the Dynamo finally bested the Sounders in front of more than 27,000 fans and after more than 180 minutes of scoreless tension in the series. Still deadlocked in extra time, Brian Ching scored on a brilliant swiveling volley to hand Houston the win and a ticket to a third conference championship game in four years.
