Three things we learned: Houston Dynamo vs Real Salt Lake
(image via Aldo Canale)
The Houston Dynamo lost their third straight home match and third out of the first four to open the 2025 season. After each game this season, we’re going to bring you three things we learned from the match. Here is our next edition after watching the Dynamo once again fail to get any points at Shell Energy Stadium.
It’s officially time to worry
This was supposed to be the match that got things back on the right foot. Real Salt Lake came in struggling for form, like the Dynamo, but they scored in the opening minute and seized control of the match. Houston had more xG and looked the better side but at some point you have to take your chances and put teams to the sword, especially at home. Now things get even tougher with two visits to the Pacific Northwest for matches against Seattle and Portland, followed by meetings with both Los Angeles teams.
They might need to sign a goalkeeper
Andrew Tarbell went down in the first half and could not continue. Ben Olsen stopped short of saying it was a bad injury in his press conference but signs do not look promising. Jimmy Maurer will take over for Tarbell now in goal. Maurer has just ten starts in the last three seasons since he became a backup for FC Dallas after the 2021 season. Blake Gillingham will become the backup. Dynamo 2 goalkeeper Pedro Cruz does not have a first team contract and would be an international if he did. Pat Onstad will likely be looking to add another keeper, if Tarbell’s injury is long-term. There just so happens to be a guy familiar with this team who is still looking for work…
Awodesu and Bartlow are becoming a partnership…because they have to
Femi Awodesu and Ethan Bartlow started once again as the Dynamo’s center backs. Their partnership is still new and you can still see some growing pains but the Dynamo don’t have a choice. Ben Olsen spoke after the match about the center backs partnering again and said, they are the only center backs he has. Erik Sviatchenko is still working back from an injury and Daniel Steres is the only option at left back behind Franco Escobar. The front office may be looking to sign a goalkeeper, but they also might want to bring in a veteran center back as well.
