After an altercation with referee Armando Villarreal in the 66th minute of the Houston Dynamo’s MLS Playoff match against the Seattle Sounders, midfielder Hector Herrera was given a straight red card. Herrera was given a yellow card for a foul just before the confrontation started, and the midfielder spit in the referee’s direction to show his annoyance.
Herrera, clearly annoyed by the call, walked by Villarreal, turned around, and spat in his direction during the heated altercation in the 65th minute. The Mexico international was sent off the field when the referee returned to hand Herrera a red card following a quick VAR review and a careful examination of the replay by Villarreal.
Ben Olsen, the manager of Dynamo, was also clearly unhappy with the decision and was given a yellow card for his outspoken objections from the sidelines. In the pivotal moments of the playoff game, Herrera’s dismissal left the Dynamo down a man despite Olsen’s protests.
After a 1-1 draw in regulation, Houston’s postseason run came to an end when Seattle won 7-6 in the penalty shootout to progress to the next round. Dynamo players and supporters were ultimately sad as their season came to an end because Herrera’s farewell contributed to a tense and dramatic playoff matchup.
