Three things we learned: Houston Dynamo at Columbus Crew

(image via Sam Fahmi/MassiveReport.com)

The Houston Dynamo earned their first point of the season with an impressive shutout in Columbus against the Crew. 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 get a draw in Ohio.

Andrew Tarbell can earn the Dynamo points

One of the big question marks going into 2025 was Andrew Tarbell earning the starting goalkeeper job. Many fans saw this as a big downgrade from Steve Clark, who was excellent in his three seasons for the Dynamo. After conceding six goals in his first two starts, Tarbell had a five save game to keep a shutout against a top offense. Andrew has been solid in net so far and should improve even further throughout the year.

Ethan Bartlow has still got it

Ethan Bartlow had a rough season debut after handing a goal to Petar Musa with an awful back pass. People have questioned if Bartlow is still a starter in this league and he proved the doubters wrong with an incredible performance against the Crew. This was one of his best games in a Dynamo jersey to date.

Ezequiel Ponce is more than just a goal scorer

Something that is massive to Ben Olsen’s system and style of play is a striker who is willing to dig deep and do dirty work in games where the offense is not shining. Ponce did not do too much of note offensively, but he was one of the best performers on the field. He made a lot of plays in this game that some have called the “Dark Arts” of soccer such as committing fouls high up the field to chop up the opposition attacks and taking fouls to move the team up the field and retain some possession to alleviate pressure off the defense. These plays were vital in that type of game environment and is exactly what Olsen spoke about after the Miami loss where the team needs more bite.