Houston Dynamo at Portland Timbers player ratings

(image via Houston Dynamo FC)

The Dynamo suffered a heavy defeat on the road against the Portland Timbers. Let’s break down how each player performed.

Starters

Blake Gillingham-7.5

The rookie put in another solid shift. Conceding three goals may not look great on paper, but there was little he could do to prevent any of them. He made several key saves that kept the scoreline from getting even worse.

Griffin Dorsey-5

Dorsey had one of his worst outings in recent memory. Usually reliable defensively, he struggled on both ends of the pitch. His positioning was off, particularly during transitions, which contributed to Portland’s goals.

Franco Escobar-8.5 MOTM

Escobar was everywhere—literally. He started at center-back, shifted to left-back, and even scored a goal. The Argentine plays every match with incredible intensity. The Dynamo could use ten more players like him in the starting lineup.

Obafemi Awodesu-6.5

Awodesu continues to impress with his composure. Regardless of the occasion, he looks like a seasoned professional. His performance was clean, and his mistakes were not costly.

Daniel Steres-4

Steres struggled from the start. His failure to clear the ball led to Portland’s first goal, and beyond that, the Timbers attackers relentlessly pressured him, exposing his physical limitations. A yellow card and a halftime substitution for Erik Sviatchenko capped a night to forget.

Artur-7.5

The captain delivered yet another strong performance. Portland found ways to stretch him in the first half, even outside of counterattacks. However, he eventually settled the game and controlled the midfield as the Dynamo chased the match.

Jack McGlynn-6.5

McGlynn is gradually growing into his role as the team’s primary ball-handler. He completed 95% of his passes, including an assist to Escobar from a set piece. However, his errant pass led to Portland’s third goal, an unfortunate blemish on an otherwise decent performance.

Amine Bassi-6

Bassi continues to struggle with chemistry. Statistically, he completed eight passes into the final third, but they rarely led to genuine danger for the Dynamo.

Sebastian Kowalczyk-7

Similar to Bassi, Kowalczyk had plenty of the ball but failed to generate real attacking opportunities. He operates in advanced positions but too often finds himself in ineffective areas.

Nicolas Lodeiro-6.5

Lodeiro has the qualities to be a difference-maker, but he lacks an outlet on the wings to make the most of his creativity. The team needs a player who can stretch the field to give him space to create chances.

Ezequiel Ponce-6

Ponce managed three shots—one blocked, two off-target. He remains disconnected from the team’s attack, doing extensive defensive work without getting rewarded with quality service. You have to feel for him.

Substitutes

Erik Sviatchenko-7.5

Sviatchenko replaced Steres at halftime and looked closer to his best, though not quite at full match fitness yet. He put in a solid shift, but Portland was simply too dominant for a comeback.

Junior Urso-7.5

Urso entered after Portland’s third goal, likely to stabilize the midfield. He did his job well and even had a presence in front of goal, though it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

Andy Batioja-N/A

Batioja made his Dynamo debut in the final 10 minutes. He completed all four of his passes and had six touches. While not much to evaluate, it’s encouraging to see him break into the first team.

Ibrahim Aliyu-N/A

Aliyu was subbed in for McGlynn with under three minutes remaining. He had four touches but struggled with ball control. Once Olsen’s first-choice winger, his role has diminished significantly.

Head Coach

Ben Olsen-8

Olsen prepared his team well, ensuring they understood their opponent’s tendencies. However, the Dynamo continue to make costly mistakes that gift goals to the opposition. At some point, the players must take responsibility for their execution.