Moments ago, Inter Miami lost the finals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup against the Houston Dynamo. Sadly, the absence of Lionel Messi proved to be expensive, resulting in a 2-1 defeat at DRV PNK Stadium. As the news of Miami’s loss spreads around the town, Houston’s boss reacts to his side’s win in the prestigious final.
Tonight’s game saw David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, and James Harden as VIPs, with NBA star Harden even taking his celebrations to the next level.
Houston Dynamo boss reacts to his side’s US Open Cup win against Lionel Messi-less Inter Miami
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Following the game, Houston manager Ben Olsen held a press conference where he spoke about the victory. As per the Miami Herald, the former DC United manager revealed he had prepared two game plans to face Miami, one with Messi and one without him. Olsen also mentioned that the Herons play differently when their star player is not on the field.
The gaffer then spoke about what the trophy meant for Houston. “A great moment for the organization pushing us forward,” Olsen said. “We were so up for this match. We put so much into it. Some really good soccer from the offensive end, and from a defensive end really dialed in….When I got to Houston there was a lot of disrespect going on, and this puts Houston back on the map a little bit.”
The most historic trophy in American Soccer. Houston Dynamo lift the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. pic.twitter.com/m7221fZkkE
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) September 28, 2023
Indeed, his words convey the significance of this trophy for Houston. Earlier, Olsen had expressed concerns about how to set up his side to face Messi. Fortunately for the Orange Crush, La Pulga was in the stands, which paved their way to the silverware. Nevertheless, they are delighted to have secured the trophy.
Meanwhile, apart from Houston’s cup win, it was James Harden’s wild celebrations that caught the attention of many.
James Harden celebrated wildly for the Houston Dynamo
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More than the typical fans, it was James Harden who appeared thrilled with Olsen’s side’s victory. The NBA star celebrated the team’s win over Messi-less Inter Miami with great enthusiasm. A clip emerged showing the Philadelphia 76ers superstar enjoying his team’s performance at the U.S. Open Cup Final.
Regardless, @JHarden13 still pumped 🤘 pic.twitter.com/KaWy6Sb6lY
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) September 28, 2023
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After all, Harden deserved to celebrate like this, given that he is one of the minority owners of the Houston Dynamo. The NBA star who spent most of his career with the Houston Rockets became the owner of the Houston Dash and Shell Energy Stadium on July 18, 2019. Certainly, the victory over Miami must have made Harden’s day.
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