Inter Miami fall short without Lionel Messi! Houston Dynamo take down Herons to lift U.S. Open Cup

• Miami fall short without Messi
• Dynamo lift U.S. Open Cup
• Goals from Dorsey and Bassi make difference

TELL ME MORE: Messi was left out of the squad as he continues his recover from an injury, and Jordi Alba's absence made things worse for a Miami team that limped into Wednesday's cup final shorthanded. It looked like that throughout, as the Dynamo were in total control of the game, starting with Griffin Dorsey's 24th-minute opener. It was a rocket of a finish from the fullback, who left goalkeeper Drake Callender with no chance. Just minutes later, it was 2-0, as DeAndre Yedlin conceded a penalty that was fired home by Amine Bassi. The Dynamo seemed to wrap up the win after Nelson Quinones netted late on, but it was called back for offside. That threatened to derail Houston as Miami pulled one back in stoppage time through Josef Martinez, but the Herons couldn't find a second as they fell short in a 2-1 defeat in South Florida.

THE MVP: Not only did he get the goal from the penalty spot, but Bassi was a menace throughout the Dynamo's near-perfect final performance. The Morocco international created several chances, helping lead his side to a long-awaited trophy.

THE BIG LOSER: It was a tough day for Yedlin, who conceded the penalty that dug Miami's hole just a bit too deep. It was a clear call and a bad foul that, at least partly, doomed Miami to defeat.

MATCH IN THREE PHOTOS:

Getty Images

Getty Images

Getty Images

WHAT NEXT? The Herons won't have long to think about the loss as they face a must-win MLS match against NYCFC this weekend. Indeed, Miami will be hoping Messi is able to recover in time to help keep his side's slim play-off hopes alive, with Tata Martino having given little away as to whether he'll be ready. As for Houston, after they've no doubt celebrated their first trophy since 2018 long into the night, their next league assignment is a meeting with FC Dallas on September 30.

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐

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