Dynamo concede early in 1-0 loss to Minnesota
(image via Minnesota United FC)
When an unstoppable force meets and immovable object, something has to give. The Houston Dynamo traveled to Minnesota with no road wins in league play in 2023. The hosts, Minnesota United, had yet to win at home.
Nigerian striker Ibrahim Aliyu made his first start for the Dynamo and looked lively in the first half. His turn in Houston’s half in the 4th minute sprung a counter. Aliyu drove forward and found Coco Carrasquilla in the middle. The Panamanian picked out the bottom corner but Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair got down to make the save.
Ten minutes later, the home side would strike, thanks to a giveaway by the Dynamo. Franco Escobar tried to pass back to Micael but Luis Amarilla pressured the Brazilian center back. Micael slid to keep the ball away from Amarilla but the ball went right into the path of Bongokuhle Hlongwane. The South African fired with the outside of his right foot to beat Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark to the far post and give Minnesota the lead after 14 minutes.
Aliyu nearly opened his Dynamo account in the 22nd minute but was denied by the post. Artur played a slide rule pass through to Aliyu as the drove into the box on the left side. The Nigerian beat St. Clair with his shot but the ball caromed off the inside of the post and out.
Minnesota’s lead remained 1-0 at the half thanks to Steve Clark. The Houston keeper made an incredible double save in the 42nd to deny Amarilla and Hlongwane. He then got across his goal and rose to swat away an Amarilla header on the stroke of half time.
Ben Olsen made changes at the halftime break, looking to spark a dormant offense. Brad Smith and Ivan Franco came on to replace Daniel Steres and Corey Baird. It was the home side who had the best look early in the second half. Franco Fragapane found himself with space near the penalty spot and he unleashed a shot on goal. Clark made himself big and the ball came off his right shoulder and away from goal.
The Dynamo made more changes to try and inject some life into the attack, bringing on Sebas Ferreira and Thor Ulfarsson in the 59th minute for Aliyu and Nelson Quinones. The pair had chances, but not necessarily good lucks. Sebas had the ball come to him near the top of the box in the 62nd minute and he volleyed right into the arms of St. Clair. Thor looked to be in behind in the 77th minute after a dummy from Ferreira but Minnesota defender Kemar Lawrence did well to track back and make a sliding block.
The Dynamo offense continues to just not exist. Aliyu sparked some life in the first half and you have to think as he gets more comfortable and can play a full 90 that things will look better. In the mean time, any goal that the Houston defense concedes feels massive and like an impossible task to recover from.
The Dynamo will return to action on Saturday with just two days to rest. Houston will be on the road in Frisco to take on rivals FC Dallas. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM on MLS Season Pass.
