Dynamo's road to U.S. Open Cup ends with a loss to FC Dallas

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The decisive play was not entirely Joe Willis' fault, but the Dynamo goalkeeper believes he should have done much better.

The Dynamo lost to visiting FC Dallas, 1-0, on a goal by Fabian Castillo in the 90th minute Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Castillo, one of the most dynamic players in MLS, gained possession near the top of the penalty area and dribbled horizontally by Dynamo midfielder Collen Warner. Castillo ran into the box and touched it around defender Jalil Anibaba to create space at the left post.

The Colombian caught Willis a big step off the post and hit his winning shot to the inside and off Willis' leg.

"It's a goal I should be saving 100 percent of the time," Willis said. "To see the guys put that much effort into the game and then lose on that in the 90th minute is gut wrenching."

The Dynamo were seeking their third trip to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. They have not been that far since 2009. Now all they have to focus on the rest of the season is league play, where they sit in last place in the Western Conference.

Dallas Police Department senior corporal Tom Haney, left, shakes hands with Houston Dynamo midfielder Collen Warner (26) at BBVA Compass Stadium Wednesday, July 20, 2016 before the start of the game versus FC Dallas in a show of solidarity with Dallas. less Dallas Police Department senior corporal Tom Haney, left, shakes hands with Houston Dynamo midfielder Collen Warner (26) at BBVA Compass Stadium Wednesday, July 20, 2016 before the start of the game versus FC ... more Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Dynamo's road to U.S. Open Cup ends with a loss to FC Dallas 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

"It is a terrible feeling," Willis said. "We have been struggling in the league a little bit. This was another way to bring some light into our team."

Castillo's goal ended a hot and tiring game that turned on its heels at halftime.

The second half began as chaotic as the first half was calm, which Dynamo interim coach Wade Barrett said was by design. Rather than secure possession, both teams looked to push the attack.

The teams combined for six shots in the first half and for seven more shots in the first 13 minutes of the second half.

Houston had the best opportunity in the 49th minute. Abdoulie Mansally curled in a cross from the left side that found Mauro Manotas wide open on the edge of the six-yard box. Manotas jumped to hit it on net, but goalkeeper Chris Seitz made himself big and saved it.

Later in the second half, Manotas hit a shot off the cross bar from a tight angle.

Barrett approached the game differently from the way he did his first nine games. Barrett used a 4-2-3-1 formation with Cristian Maidana moving back into the No. 10 role.

Warner had been playing as the sole defensive midfielder in Barrett's 4-1-4-1 formation but had company Wednesday with Ricardo Clark being pulled back along the same line.

Corey Roepken is a freelance writer.