Sporting Kansas City has failed to make it past the MLS knockout round for a fourth straight season, falling to the Houston Dynamo 1-0 in extra time.
After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer Thursday that lacked inspiration all around, the Dynamo got a boost from substitute Vicente Sanchez.
The 37-year-old, who entered the match in the 87th minute, pulled off the moment of magic the home side needed in the 94th minute with a stellar run down the right. After beating his man to the line, the Uruguayan picked out Alberth Elis for what would prove to be the winner.
Sanchez should have doubled the lead in the 104th minute, when Elis returned the favor, but took his shot first time and pushed it woefully wide of the mark.
The former Toluca star got another chance with the last kick of the game, having won a penalty with a late run, but saw his spot kick saved.
The win sees the Dynamo advance to the Western Conference semifinals, where the club will face the top-seeded Portland Timbers.
It's another playoff failure for Sporting KC, with the club having lost in the knockout round every year since winning the MLS Cup in 2013.