Ben Olsen: Houston Dynamo aiming for 'winning culture' after US Open Cup final qualification

Houston Dynamo first-year head coach Ben Olsen is aiming to instill a mentality shift among his players after defeating Real Salt Lake 3-1 in extra time to qualify for the US Open Cup final.

It's been a breath of fresh air at Shell Energy Stadium with Olsen in the dugout, as the Texan side are now into a final and currently sit in sixth place in the Western Conference with 32 points from 24 games played. Olsen has played a large part in that after the Dynamo finished in 13th place in the West in 2022 with 36 points, one spot above the last-placed San Jose Earthquakes.

Things are definitely trending in the right direction for Olsen and his new-look squad, as they made it to the round of 16 in the Leagues Cup before bowing out against Charlotte FC. Now have a chance at bringing home a piece of silverware, while also looking to get back into MLS playoffs for the first time since 2017.

"When we set out for this year, we talked about creating a winning culture," said Olsen post-game.

"That is one of the three things we continue to speak about. That included doing well in Leagues Cup and Open Cup. And, of course, the objective of getting into the postseason."

Following Houston's last playoff appearance in 2017, they've since finished ninth, 10th, 12th, and 13th twice before Olsen took over in the winter. The former DC United boss knows just how important this result is for the club.

"This is just a really good step for this group and the organization in this moment," Olsen said. "To put ourselves in a situation to play in the final after the year that we had last year, and the last few years, it shows that there's at least some growth here."

Houston will have a tough challenge in getting their hands on the trophy, though, as they'll come up against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in the final at DRV PNK Stadium on September 27.

"It does add a little something, Miami's resurgence and the hoopla around that team. Rightfully so, it's been an epic run for them. We would love to be the team that stops the train, but it will be a tough match," Olsen stated.

The Dynamo will battle against RSL again on August 26 - but this time in MLS regular season play with the playoffs slowly approaching.

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