Dynamo head into international break with a point in Portland
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo traveled to the Pacific Northwest looking for their second win in four days and their second win over the Portland Timbers in 2024. Houston won 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium earlier in the season and were coming in off a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rapids Wednesday night. Houston led twice on the night, but were pegged back twice by the home side, as the teams played to a 2-2 draw.
Andrew Tarbell got the start at goalkeeper, once again, for the injured Steve Clark. Aliyu Ibrahim and Griffin Dorsey were dropped to the bench with Franco Escobar moving to right back with Daniel Steres at left back, and Latif Blessing on the wing. Houston came out of the gates early on the offensive.
A corner from captain Hector Herrera found an unmarked Micael in the box in the 4th minute but the Brazilian’s shot was blocked. There were calls for handball but after a brief check play resumed. Five minutes later, the Dynamo broke through.
Another corner from Herrera landed in the box and wasn’t dealt with by the Timbers. The ball ultimately landed at the feet of Sebastian Kowalczyk and the false nine swept it home to put the Dynamo up 1-0 after nine minutes.
Both teams traded possession and minimal chances throughout the first half. Jonathan Rodriguez fired high in the 35th minute but it was a signal of intent for Portland. One they would pay off on just two minutes later.
An Amine Bassi giveaway at midfield sprung Rodriguez on a counter down the left. The DP striker squared the ball into the center and Felipe Mora just had to tap into the open net to tie the game at 1-1 in the 37th minute.
With the score 1-1 at the half, the Dynamo came out with the same lineup from the first 45 minutes. They regained the lead five minutes later with a stroke of magic from Herrera. Coco Carrasquilla on the ball in Houston’s half. The Dynamo captain carved open the entire Portland defense with a world-class reverse pass through ball to Carrasquilla. The Panamanian made no mistake and smashed Houston back in front 2-1 in the 50th minute.
Things got chippy as the half wore on with some words aimed at the referee and some hard fouls. Timbers coach Phil Neville brought Nathan Fogaca off the bench and the Brazilian played the role of super sub in the 76th minute.
After a silly foul from the Dynamo, Portland sent the free kick into the box. Fogaca rose and was first to it. His header had enough pace to beat Tarbell and tie the game in the 76th minute at 2-2.
The Dynamo briefly thought they took the lead for the third time on the night in the 84th minute. Kowalczyk curled one into the back of the net but VAR was called to have a look. Carrasquilla’s ball over the top to Aliyu was what they were having a look at. Aliyu was about a step too early in his run and the goal was called back for offside.
Portland looked to win it twice at the end of the match but were denied both times by the crossbar. Evander let loose a cannon from outside the box that was dipping toward goal but came back off the bar. A minute later, a corner was met by the head of Fogaca again but he too saw his shot come back off the frame of the goal.
The Dynamo will now get two weeks off with a FIFA international window getting underway. Houston will return to MLS play on June 15 when they travel to Atlanta United.
