With an ugly extra-time win over Sporting KC on Thursday in the MLS Cup playoff knockout round, the Houston Dynamo advanced to a conference semifinals matchup against the Portland Timbers. The first game is on Monday at BBVA Compass, and the second is Sunday in Oregon.
It’s important to remember that this year was supposed to be year 1 of a full-scale rebuild. They aren’t built to win now, and they will be better next year with a more established Manotas-Quioto-Elis-Cabezas-Machado-Deric core. But, knowing that fact understandably won’t dim the nervousness for this series among fans, also be aware that this is a very real opportunity to make a long run.