The lead was slipping. Possession was fading. Wednesday night's game was looking an awful lot like last weekend's Dynamo collapse.
This time, however, Mauro Manotas was there to save the day.
Manotas scored in the final five minutes Wednesday to give the Dynamo breathing room en route to a 3-1 victory over visiting Sporting Kansas City in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16.
The Dynamo advance to the quarterfinals where they will face the winner of Wednesday's late game between FC Dallas and Colorado Rapids. Houston will host that game on July 20 or July 21 at BBVA Compass Stadium.