Houston Dynamo FC Prepares for U.S. Open Cup Clash with Phoenix Rising

HOUSTON (May 6, 2025) – Houston Dynamo FC is set to kick off their 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign against USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday, May 7. The match will take place at Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium, starting at 9:00 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action live on CBS Sports Network.

If the Dynamo wins, they will advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the Austin FC and El Paso Locomotive match. A victory from Austin would mean a trip to Q2 Stadium, while a win for El Paso would result in Houston hosting the next match at Shell Energy Stadium.

Houston Dynamo has a successful history in the U.S. Open Cup, having lifted the trophy twice, with their most recent title in 2023 after defeating Inter Miami CF 2-1. Griffin Dorsey and Amine Bassi were the goal scorers for the Dynamo that night.

Notably, Dynamo’s assistant coach Juan Guerra previously led Phoenix Rising as their head coach and guided them to their first USL Championship title in 2023.

This year’s Open Cup champion will earn a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Houston’s last title secured their fourth domestic title, adding to their back-to-back MLS Cup wins in 2006 and 2007 and the 2018 U.S. Open Cup championship.

Head coach Ben Olsen has made a mark in the tournament, becoming the third coach to win the U.S. Open Cup with different teams. The Dynamo also have 14 players on their current roster who have previously won the cup.

On the other hand, Phoenix Rising reached this stage after a penalty shootout victory over FC Tulsa. The team is currently placed tenth in the USL Championship Western Conference standings, holding a record of 1-3-4.

In their last encounter, the Dynamo suffered a 2-0 loss to LAFC, while Phoenix played to a 1-1 draw with Colorado Springs Switchbacks. As the U.S. Open Cup heads into its 110th edition, Houston’s optimism remains high as they head into the knockout tournament.

Houston Dynamo will return to MLS play on Saturday, May 10, hosting Seattle Sounders FC at Shell Energy Stadium.