Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers - Staff picks

(image via Aldo Canale)

The Houston Dynamo return to Major League Soccer play tonight against the Portland Timbers at Shell Energy Stadium. We asked our staff to weigh in on if the Dynamo can get their first regular season win tonight.

Cristian - 2-2 draw
(Record: 2-2)

Even though the team has been lacking in the scoring department, I have a feeling that a boost in competition from Latif Blessing’s arrival could come in handy. On the other hand, Portland has been a good squad so far this season and I wouldn’t be surprised if they could also find the back of the net a few times. This is a good test for this wounded Dynamo and could be an important three points looking into the future of the season. You have to get as many points at home as possible. 

Rudy - 1-1 draw
(Record: 2-2)

It is very difficult to bet against the Dynamo at home. However, the team is struggling to score goals. And in soccer, without goals, it is nearly impossible to win. Latif Blessing was recently added to the squad and is a very good player that can come in and help out in different roles. But will he be enough to boost the team tonight? I’ll stick with a draw on this one against Portland.

Manny - 3-1 Dynamo loss
(Record: 1-3)

Portland is off to a great start to the season, being undefeated in the league. The Dynamo haven't been the same with the injuries and with the match congestion they have had at the beginning of the season. I believe Portland will be too much for the Dynamo and Houston won't find many chances to score.

Joey - 1-0 Dynamo win
(Record: 1-3)

Portland have had a great start to their season by scoring some wild goals. They have yet to play a defense as good as Houston’s so far. Expect Steve Clark to have a massive game against his former team and the Dynamo to snag a goal off a penalty or set piece.

Billy - 2-1 Dynamo loss
(Record: 3-1)

Dustyn - 2-0 Dynamo loss
(Record: 2-2)

I echo what a lot of the other guys have said. The Dynamo are struggling with a number of issues and this Portland team has come out guns blazing in 2024. The more and more I look at this match up, the more I think it leans pretty heavily in Portland’s favor, even at Shell Energy Stadium.

Gribbs - 1-0 Dynamo loss
(Record: 0-1)

The Dynamo have had a number of roadblocks in their way this season as a string of injuries and a heavy schedule of games across competitions early into the year have led to some struggles. Despite all that, they've shown plenty of promise and this game could go a number of ways. However, against a Portland side off to a good start in 2024, I think Houston's issues will continue before they get better in a close loss for the club.