Dynamo’s Hector Herrera ejected after spitting at ref in MLS playoff loss

Hector Herrera did not leave the best last impression on the Houston Dynamo.

The Dynamo captain was given a red card for spitting at an official in Houston’s Game 2 loss against the Seattle Sounders in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.

Herrera was assessed a yellow card by referee Armando Villarreal for a call he clearly didn’t agree with and made that clear with a gesture moments later.

The Dynamo captain then proceeded to spit near the feet of the official, who didn’t seem to be aware of what had just happened.

That was until the VAR review caught Herrera’s action. 

Herrera was issued a red card for his actions in the 66th minute and was sent off, forcing his team to play with 10 players for the rest of the game. 

“Final decision, red card,” the referee announced to the crowd. 

Dynamo coach Ben Olsen was also issued a yellow card for disagreeing with the call and clearly was agitated on the sideline. 

Two Dynamo players could be seen getting into the face of the ref after the final determination had been made.

The game and series were scoreless at that point, but the Sounders prevailed in a dramatic finish.

Cristian Roldan put the Sounders ahead 1-0 with a goal in the 87th minute, but the Dynamo tied when Roldan scored an own goal for Houston when he accidentally knocked in a cross into his own net in extra time.

The series was then decided on penalty kicks, which Seattle won, 7-6, when Tate Schmitt was denied for the Dynamo. 

Any subsequent discipline will have to be served next year by Herrera after Houston’s season ended with the loss to Seattle. 

It marked the second game this postseason for Houston that ended up with a player getting a red card. 

Adalberto Carrasquilla was given a red card in the first game of the series for a violent conduct offense. 

Disciplinary action could be awaiting Herrera for next season. 

Herrera’s contract expires after this season, but the Dynamo do have a 2025 club option for the midfielder.

Herrera has been with the Dynamo since 2022.