Match Date: September 27, 2023
Competition: U.S. Open Cup Final
Location: DRV PNK Stadium
Match Story:
After moving to town from San Jose in 2005, success came quickly for Houston. But the back-to-back championships won by the Orange Crush in their first two seasons would be followed over a decade absent any new silverware. And while the club underperformed in the league during most of that stretch, the Open Cup has recently provided them a platform for success. That proved true in the 2023 edition of the nation’s oldest tournament, though the path wasn’t easy path for Houston as they faced four top-tier sides en route to a final against red hot Miami and their recent import, Lionel Messi. And though the odds seemed stacked against them, it was Ben Olsen’s men that found themselves in control of the match early in Florida. A 24th-minute strike from Griffin Dorsey was followed quickly by a 33-minute penalty from Amine Bassi. The following hour would see Houston do everything in their power to keep Messi & Friends at bay. And while Miami pulled one back in added time, Houston did enough to lift their second Open Cup trophy.
Design Story:
The match side of the wristband is inspired by Houston’s famous geometric stadium design. The reverse features an orange hexagonal pattern that is based on the club’s updated crest.